Planet Atheism » possum_momma

Still here

possum_momma — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:19:00 +0000

The kids and I had a wonderful Christmas break. :) We also managed to squeeze in a trip to the LA Zoo. Though we only lasted two hours (too many people, weird weather), we had a fun time. It's always entertaining to listen to P3 and P4 comment on the animals' behavior.

I'm still posting mostly to facebook, but I'll try to get back to posting here more often.

Observed

possum_momma — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:10:00 +0000

My parents received the following flier on their door last week. The text had been reproduced in full (with the exception of the name and place of the church).

"Calling all responsible Christians. Please meet at xxxxxxxxx Church, located at **** ************ Road, on Friday, October 30, 6:00pm for a symposium on the true meaning of Halloween and Proposition 8..."

I love how they're throwing a "symposium" on gay marriage and Halloween, as if the two are in any way related, on the Eve of Halloween. If the kids and I didn't have plans, I'd go just to be a fly on the wall. Think I could pass for a "responsible Christian"?

Housekeeping

possum_momma — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:33:00 +0000

Just for those who haven't found me, yet. I am on facebook. I'm not facebook proficient enough to start a pmomma page, but that might be on the horizon. For those who know my name and want to add me, that would be great.

The possums are doing well. P3 just turned 7 yesterday. It's hard to believe that when I started this blog, she was just a baby.

I ran into Jack Jackyll the other day and he's looking pretty good. Maybe I can convince him to start up the podcast?

The ACA has a cool interview with PZ Meyers available at their website. Check it out!

How are all of you? I miss being able to write for you and chat with you. Soon. Hopefully this will soon be back to a new normal.

Science in schools

possum_momma — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:06:00 +0000

PZ has an interesting article on his site. It contains a map of the US, where each state is given a score based on it's public education commitment to evolutionary biology (among other things). California gets an A. This actually mildly surprises me. I guess it's because of where I live, in particular, but I see a backlash to this every day. Just this week, I had a discussion with another class-mom that illustrates this backlash.

I mentioned that I liked our middle school science teacher because she truly wants the children to understand biology. She really strives to get the kids involved in teh scientific method. This other room-mom, however, didn't take my enthusiasm for the teacher as a positive thing. She was worried. I asked why she was worried and she explained that she was glad she'd told her son, on the first day, to remember that he should "give the answer the teacher wants at school, but know in (his) heart the "real answer"".

I have to say that the discussion kind of petered out after that. I mean, what do you say from that point on that won't end up in meritless, go-nowhere back-and-forth?

Sadly, in this "A" state, that's a common sentiment in these parts. I don't get it. I suppose I don't have to.

Back in the saddle.

possum_momma — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:48:00 +0000

Does anyone read here anymore?

Congrats

possum_momma — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:33:00 +0000

Congratulations are in order for my friend Berlzebub and his family.

He's the proud new papa of two beautiful baby girls.

Pharyngula -v- Ham

possum_momma — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:26:00 +0000

This post at PZ Meyers' place is gold.
The comments are a delicious bonus. Some of them have left my side aching and I'd like to share a few of my favorites...

Rev. Big Dump Chimp: "Now that we've brought out the sharp poking stick, when do we use the smashing rock?"

Lose the Woo: "...but since the whole "museum" is scientifically vacuous..."

Ham: But its got displays...really neat ones too. They proclaim the truth of the bible plain as day for everyone to see!

When Dinkum asks why Ham won't link to PZ, Warren says...They'll just drift over on floating mats of vegetation.

Humanistic Jones: As Chef taught us, if someone serves you and then you serve them back, then it's on. While PZ has twice served Ham today, does anything from Ham count for the technical definition of serving?

Camp Quest

possum_momma — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:08:00 +0000

P1 and I are back from camp. Let me first say that the setting was beautiful. I love California Gold Country and this was no disappointment. The Yuba River looked so inviting. The trees and vegetation were green and dense. The history jumped out at you around every bend - culminating in P1 and I discovering one of the earliest cemeteries in northern California. I could've wandered around all day, but we had to get to the hotel room in Sac.

Our original plan was to stay with the kind folks at Quest/Ross on Saturday night. Unfortunately, P1 was (understandably) ready to be headed home. She wasn't feeling 100% and the cabin wasn't well ventilated. Next year - we're bringing fans! So sadly, we decided to head into old town Sacramento for the night. Where, one we got a cool room, a decent mattress, and a meal, she was feeling much better.

To Chris Lindstrom, thank you for putting on such an amazing camp! You asked us to think of things to do to make next year better and I have a list of things I'd like to help with. Let's get together and talk! Seriously! It was nice meeting you. OH! You can just call me about the check and we'll get that straightened.

To Terri = thank you for being P1's second mom. I heard so much about you on the way home!
To Brian = We will HAVE TO get together. Thank you for entertaining my poker shark for an evening. ;)
To Matt = You've done it! Great job! Would love to keep in contact with you.

Let's organize some central valley meet-ups for Quest!

http://picasaweb.google.com/bedellcl/Quest?authkey=Gv1sRgCL7F0tP21o-szAE#

more later..

Quest West

possum_momma — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:38:00 +0000

The Sacramenton Bee has an interesting article on Camp Quest West.

I think the article gives the wrong impression of this camp. It's not just "an atheist camp". It's so much more than that. It's a camp for free-thought, science, logic, morality, ethics, and free expression. I'm curious why the author didn't stress those characteristics and stated missions of the camp?

If you really want an interesting read, check out the comments on the article.

Camp

possum_momma — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:29:00 +0000

Here are some pics I took yesterday.

Lev

possum_momma — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:18:00 +0000

Thanks, Lev! I normally hate using blogs as messengers, but I didn't have another contact method. :)

The Unit

possum_momma — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:36:00 +0000

I read a neat book called "The Unit", by Ninni Holmqvist. I say "neat" because it has an Orwellian, Handmaid's Tale sort of skeevy-ness about it. The book is set in the future, though not the far off future. Perhaps a generation forward. The Party (government) sets up a system in which "the dispensable" (childless women over fifty and childless men over sixty) are placed into a Reserve Bank Housing Unit. All of their needs are met (food, clothing, shopping, movies, activities, hobbies, housing, and medical). In fact, their needs are met so well that most live more affluent lives in the unit than they did outside. This is partly because the government has turned the country into a purely economically driven economy where families are, supposedly, the most precious resource. They did this to ensure that the GDP would stay on an upward trend. Mothers and fathers have to split maternity leave. There's a law stating moms must return to work and the government subsidizes child care from six months on. Those who do not have children, as I said, are dispensable. They are seen as a drain on the economy when they reach fifty, under the assumption that they won't be working much longer and have no one to care for. They go to the Unit. The Unit sounds like a pretty cool place (having all your needs met and all) until you understand the caveat. While you're being pampered and have every available comfort, you also are used for biological and medical experiments. You're also used as a donor. At any time, you might have a cornea or kidney or other organ taken. These organs are given to the "needed people" of society. Ultimately, after a few years, you make your "final donation" (heart or lungs). But, what happens when a dispensable gets pregnant (because, yes,...you can hook-up as much as you want in the Unit)? The powers that be assume women over fifty are pre-menopausal or menopausal, so this is a rare occurence. But, what if? This is what happens to the book's protagonist. I won't ruin the ending, but it's unexpected and thought provoking. I highly recommend checking this out! I don't like fiction and I blew through this in a day. Let me know what you think.

Coming up.

possum_momma — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:47:00 +0000

*A book review.
* Update and status report.
*Rant on talk radio.

How are you doing?

Goals

possum_momma — Thu, 07 May 2009 04:57:00 +0000

This post is in the stream of consciousness tradition (wherein I will just keep writing whatever it is that enters my head, to be refined/defined later).

I need a goal. I just need some 1-2 year event to shoot for. So, what do I do then? I want to hike. I want to get back to that person I used to be before love/marriage/family took me to mommy-town. I want to free climb El Cap and spent a day getting lost in some backwoods Sierra creek. I want to meet people on the trail and learn about them. I want this part of me back so desperately and I have very little direction as to how to make that happen.

I want to hike the AT (Appalachian Trail) in March of 2011. I need to decide how that would be physically possible and what I can do to make it happen. How can a disabled person do it? How can I afford it? What about the kids? All of these questions need answering. But, I do have enough "faith" think they are answerable.

Questions? Queries? Want to call me a whack-job and ask why? Do it here. Thanks.

Pickychicky

possum_momma — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:56:00 +0000

Pickychicky commented and asked for an update. She's right. An update is more than overdue.

I'm still gun-shy about posting too much on this blog. Certain people are eager to use anything said as ammunition. Apparently, there are friends of mine who still get flack and weekly inquiries about my existence. (frown)

The kids and I are plugging along. I still have majority custody of them and contrary to what's been posted elsewhere, there's been no justification for changing that.

I won't talk about Pdaddy. He is an individual in his own rite and should speak for himself. I don't understand his choices or his behavior. I can only speak for myself. I'm adjusting. It's really hard adjusting to life as a single mother of four after being with your best friend/life partner for almost a decade. I miss Mike: I can't lie. It's strange not having him around to talk to and I miss the relationship I thought we had. There are times when I really wish he was home. Then I realize that his actions prohibit the trust that's necessary in having that sort of relationship. I will say he's been very helpful with my latest hiccup.

I hurt my knee pretty badly. It's made life complicated.

The kids are adjusting. P2 is such a rock. I really value his contributions to our new family. He's been busy with drumline and scouts. P1 is a fourteen year old girl - focused on school and planning for the future. Having a teenage girl is an experience. P3 is dealing with the situation in the best way she can. She, rightfully and understandably, misses what was. P4 is my daily reminder that childhood is a gift and he takes up most of my attention. We're busy with creating new schedules and enjoying one another.

I've been trying to keep up with my friends online. It's difficult. There just aren't enough hours in a day. If you want to call me, that's probably an easier way to contact me.

I hope to get back into blogging (late this summer). I need to take care of other priorities first. I miss you all terribly. I hope you all know that. *hugs*

Labor and Delivery

possum_momma — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 06:06:00 +0000

During my blog black-out, I've been conversing with a lady who is set to deliver her first baby any day now. One thing that keeps coming up in our discussion is pain relief during labor. I've had four deliveries resulting in live births (as near to term as I could get). The one common thread, in four very different stories, is that labor hurts. It hurts like hell. The only difference is the manner and location of the pain.

I do know some women who've done pain free births. One such woman reads this blog (Amy) and would probably share her experience with you. Another woman named Erin had a great birth story you should read (maybe she'll pop up and share a link). I know women who've birthed just about everywhere and I hope they'll join the discussion to share what they know.

What I do know is that any religious claim to pain is bull. It's true that the most ardent fundy will claim that labor pain is a woman's duty. But, to them I ask...what about the Biblical promise to Adam. God knows that, to create another, Adam must be put through great pain. To remove the rib from Adam to make Eve, Adam will be subjected to great pain. What does God do? He puts Adam to sleep. Read that again. God puts Adam to asleep to avoid the pain of bringing forth a new human being. Where, exactly, is the religious objection to relieving pain in child birth? I say that they don't have a leg to stand on. If God exists, he/she/it certainly expects us to use our wisdom to alleviate human suffering. If he doesn't, then I expect outrage over the women who get pregnant by non-religious piety in IVF clinics all across the nation. The religious right doesn't seem to object to the interference of man in that case.

Moving along - take the meds if you want them! Don't allow a cleric wearing a dog collar (especially an unmarried cleric) tell you that your fear of pain is proof of your lack of will. Dry that out and you could fertilize a golf course.

"What To Expect", while a wonderful series, has screwed an entire generation of women into thinking that a book can adequately prepare you for what labor will be like for you. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAhahahah-ha-itty-haha! There's nothing that will prepare you for your birth. It is what is it is. Go with it.

Don't buy into the catty, b/s religious crap...
Scientology says "don't scream" or you'll imprint chaos and negativity onto the baby. Let me just roll the ole' oculars. *pause* I've seen men grunt while taking a six oz. shite on the toilet. I've seen a burly, manly-man groan when hefting a ten pound bag of lawn fertilizer up a slight incline. The truth is that humans react to pain by engaging in some noise making. Can you imagine what it would be like to watch a martial arts master blast through an I-block without his "Heeeyaaaaaaaa!"? Shoot. Go out in a blaze of glory, friend! You don't have to swear Kathy Griffin style, but a few "shits" and growls won't damn you to hell. I'd be willing to bet most people can't hoe a garden without a few oral celebrations or utterances...you think it's reasonable to pass a seven pound bundle of bone and muscle through your coocher without making a peep. Me thinks you're a bit to hard on yourself.

Don't fear the pain relief. No one is going to stand at the door to the hospital and demand a drug test before you leave. There's no special parking spot for "morphine moms" or "epidural wussies" at Baby'sRUs. Within ten minutes after birth, I'll guarantee you that no one gives two shoots about what you had to take to deal with your ordeal. They'll be too busy counting toes and asking about the consistency of meconium.

I've had the Douala's. I think they're handy. They're not healing incarnate and they're not a substitute for a husband, mate, or good friend who loves you. But, they'll do. Their sole duty is to hold you hand and cheer lead you on without actually involving Mylar and spanky pants. They move your favorite pillow and give you scalpel massages, totally understanding that that little hair on your head is a mental barrier for your baby's entrance to the world. It's okay!

You're right. Pain is generally there for a reason. That doesn't mean we accept that it needs to hand out for another eight hours to re-remind us that there's a big, wiggly barrel load of baby eyeing your snatch as it's emergency exit. I have yet to hear of a twenty year old who approaches his mom, joint in hand, who says "Yo, Madre! That teensy hit of morphine you hand when I was less than born totally primed my receptors for opiates. I remember how great it felt to be wasted AND wonder why someone was shoving my face into gazongas I'd never seen before." It just doesn't happen. It's no big deal. You'll make mistakes that really count later.

Just sleep well, great white mother. You won't be pregnant forever. :)

What’s new?

possum_momma — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:52:00 +0000

Questions from the ole' inbox.

Did you stop blogging? I miss your posts.
Short answer? No. Long answer. I have too much else going on to put blogging on any priority list. I know there are some rumors and innuendo going around that might deserve responses, but I don't have the time, nor the inclination. Information is on a need to know basis temporarily. I have four amazing, beautiful kids who have always come first and that won't be changing any time soon. I know most of you understand.

What did you think of Obama's speech?

I assume you mean the inauguration? I don't know. It was pretty typical. I'm excited about change for the country. I'm normally not a change for change's sake person but this change of power feels right. It's time for new ideas and strategies. It's time to regroup on policy and I think Obama will institute that reflection. I think he'll change what needs changing while respecting the things that are working.

Did any of your kids bite? What did you do because I'm out of ideas?

Every kid but P1 went through a biting phase. My response depended on the kid with the chomping habit. I think you have to really ask "why?" they're biting and work from there. Is it frustration? Is it pain from teething? Is it anger? Is it to cause pain to the bite'ee? Is the kid bored or do they want attention? Send me a private e-mail explaining the situation or comment here. I can't promise a speedy response but I'll look for it. Mostly just know that biting is common in preschoolers/toddlers. You don't see many ten year old kids who make a habit of biting so I promise you can handle this.

Where do you get your art supplies? You told me before and I can't find the link. Is it tempera that kids use for painting?

www.discountschoolsupplies.com is a good place for kids stuff. If you can't find it there, try Classrooms Direct. Tempera is for every day painting, on cheap paper. If you want to paint on plastic/clay/wood, I suggest acrylics at Michael's Crafts. Watercolor is another cheap alternative and easy to clean up, but it only works on non-glossy, woven paper. It runs on newsprint. E-mail me.

Where do you find baby corn?

In a can at the market. Try the canned veggie section.

One pan, Late Night

possum_momma — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:57:00 +0000

I swear, the best cooking I do is when I'm trying to throw something together with five minutes on the clock. I wanted some thing warm and pasta-y without getting spaghetti meetballs or whatever. So, I put some shell macaroni to boil in one pot. I chopped up some left over olives and walnuts until they resembled a cracker spread. Meanwhile, I took some bacon left over from breakfast and nuked them until they were crispy. Opened a can of artichoke hearts in crushed a few of those. Threw in two slices of provo and a little blue cheese. Mix together and enjoy! I'm in heaven. Forgot to write the spices I used: bay leaves, basil, garlic, cumin.

The post that has to be made.

possum_momma — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:26:00 +0000

Writing this makes me feel sick to my stomach, but new years mean new beginnings. Early this month, Pdad served me with divorce papers less than twenty-four hours before I had to be in court. He made early attempts to have the kids removed from my care with an emergency hearing. As far as I could see, his only reasoning was that my illness prevents me from being a good mom. He didn't win that hearing. Right now, we're splitting custody and trying to find new normals. I won't pretend to know why he's doing this and why he chose to do it at Christmas. I'm sure I'm not a perfect wife. I'm sure the last few years have been disappointing for him (dealing with the limitations of an illness, four kids, and the pressures of life). I've sat on this for weeks because I'm not proud of it and I know some will take pleasure in reading this. My kids had to be and will continue to be the first priority. Pdad did mention this blog (by the "Atheist in a Mini-Van" title) in papers with the negative intent. I need to use care with what is said here. If your comment doesn't make it through, please accept and respect that.

The possums are adjusting. Staying two days away is hardest for the little possums. Christmas was difficult, but we tried keeping our traditions as close to normal as possible. They had a good Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. :) A person I used to respect would always say, "take it a day at a time". That's what we'll do. This is going to suck, but it will make us all stronger people. There's no alternative.

I appreciated the e-mails asking if we were okay. I wasn't sure how to respond.

Here's to new years and friends.

Happy Holidays to All

possum_momma — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:30:00 +0000

I hear you guys! Everything isn't okay, but it will be down the road. For the time being, I can't post much. I only want to wish you all a great holiday season! Have a holly jolly one!

The Pineapple

possum_momma — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 09:18:00 +0000

It won. The pineapple that is.

When I was small, I loved pineapple and ate a lot of it. My mom was the queen of the upside-down cake. During Owen's pregnancy, I realized that pineapple made me itch. Over the last four years, my reaction to it has become worse than annoying. I know enough to know that allergies like this can get worse over time.

Pdaddy took the kids to Elephant Bar last night. I called him and asked him to bring me a plate of grilled shrimp. I also told him to ask about the ingredients to make sure there was no pineapple. I knew that they had some dishes where they used pineapple, but the menu said nothing about it for that dish. PDad asked and the waiter went away, came back, and said "no worries". Hubby brings it home, I eat about three shrimp and start on the veggies below. My mouth immediately tingled. Then I felt like it was blistering. Guess what was in the vegetables? Pineapple. Four large chunks and some yellowish juice. I took three Benedryl tabs and waited to see what was going to happen. In five minutes, I had a rash on my face and chest. My throat hurt really bad, too. I chugged children's Benedryl because it's liquid and hits the bloodstream faster (not to mention hitting my mouth directly). It seems to slow the reaction down and I planned to just watch it. I must've fallen asleep. At three, I found that I couldn't breathe at all. My throat was swollen bad. Moving air was getting difficult. I carry an epi pen for a bee allergy and I hate the pen. I stumbled to my purse and found it, jammed it in my leg, and sat on my floor waiting for it to work. It eventually kicked in enough for me to catch my breath and walk to where Mike had fallen asleep. Had to go to the ER to get checked out and they gave me IV meds. That doctor said I need to take my efforts to avoid pineapple farther.

Anyway, I know it's hard to be a waiter, but this isn't funny. Lazy is one thing. Putting a life in jeopardy is another. Elephant Bar is going to compensate us for our ER copay, thank Buddha! The corporate office is going to insist the franchsie go through extra training. That's more than I thought they'd do so I'm giving them a thumbs up for being responsible. The question I have is what's next? I had to be given a sedative last night because all I could think of was how often pineapple is on the menu in this town. If you have a food allergy, what do you do?

If you’re happy and you know it…

possum_momma — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:37:00 +0000

Jeebus, I've been pissing and moaning way too much here lately. You'd think that psychotic family members and rude friends were the only noteworthy things in my life. LOL Therefore...I deem this post a happy post. I'm starting a meme - What makes you happy? The rules are simple: list ten things you're happy about or thankful for. Tag ten people who you're happy to call friend at the end of the meme.

1. I'm excited about Christmas. P4 is very into it this year and his eyes gleam with excitement. He's figured out where I hide the gifts and since it took his sibs years to figure that out... I'm kind of impressed by his observation skills. :)
2. I finished an amazing book. It's called "A Blistered Kind of Love". The book is a journal kept by a husband and wife who hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. I love books that take me to another place and get my mind out of the house.
3. The re-arranging of the craft area is almost finished and the family room is ready for the tree to be put up.
4. My friend Vamp is back from Hawaii. I missed her. I'm happy she's home and had a nice vacay.
5. P3's garden is beautiful. Here it is, almost winter, and she still has amazing flowers. She's got a green thumb. I can see her garden from my computer and the huge clumps of white (baby's breath), purple (pansies), flaming pink (azaleas), and huge gerber daisies of all colors look like her canvas. I'll try to take a picture in the morning.
6. I found a great Christmas gift for Pdaddy. He's really hard to shop for so this, strangely, makes me ecstatic.
7. I watched the Great Escape yesterday. It's free on demand if you have AMC (American Movie Classics). If you don't', I would rent it. It's set in WWII: the story of POWs who tunnel out of a German camp. It's not a sad-free movie but I love seeing a young James Garner. If I were seventy, I'd hit that.
8. I'm grateful for the cold weather and early sunsets. Dark is good! Cold means busting out our sweaters and thick bedding. There's nothing better than lying in a cold room with only your nose sticking out from under the covers. The air just seems fresher on those nights. (Yeah. I realize how strange that sounds.)
9. I'm grateful for my fingerless gloves.
10. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg make me happy.

Your turn.
I am tagging Vamp, Russell, Sean, Berlie, Calladus, Poodles, P1, P2, Anthro Amy, the Chaplain (from Apostate's Chapel). If you don't see your name, I still tap you.

Doomsday

possum_momma — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 04:32:00 +0000

This is a continuation post (of sorts).

Let's talk about Armageddon/"Doomsday". According to most Christian websites, Armageddon will be the final battle between God and Satan - a theological Smack Down! Different religions and different holy books have varied accounts of what will happen when this battle begins, but they all seem to agree that during the war between God and an anti-Christ, there will be disease, suffering, fires, earthquakes, your "horsemen", and the scariest possible circumstances that the world would ever face. Fear, desolation, and epic terror will, allegedly, rule the day and the only thing that will save your butt is fighting on God's side (or doing one of any number of devotionals/pledges/statements of allegiance to a deity).

This scenario brings several questions to the surface.
* If God is all knowing, then Satan is an idiot. Would you go into a battle knowing that all of your moves will be known through your enemy's omniscience? Satan is said to know the nature of God. In some religions, Satan is said to be Jesus' brother (LDS). If you always lose, why fight the war at all?
* If God is all-powerful, why does he need thugs? Why does he need the horsemen? Which leads me to my next question...
*God must be a tyrannical arsehole. If he's all powerful and he's disappointed in humanity, then couldn't he just blink it out of existence? No muss, no fuss. If he created it all then he can un-create it all. But, no! Instead of exercising his power in this manner, he chooses to draw arbitrary lines in the sand and let chaos, death, disaster, and (if you believe the Bible) the most intense human suffering possible. Claiming that your God is a benevolent wonder while claiming that you believe in the end times is one of the biggest hypocrisies I can think of. These actions are not those of the most powerful energy in the universe. No. It's more like giving a two year old a collection of nuclear weapons and a biological arsenal and saying, "If these people don't choose to put you on a pedestal,...have fun!"
*I'm sure some people are reading this and thinking, "But...it's not that God wants people to suffer. Satan and man's sin will be responsible for the suffering." Ok. Then your God isn't the most powerful being because he can't snuff out Satan. Your God is also a royal jerk. "Eve" bites the apple and your all powerful deity decides that, because of this indiscretion, he will hold billions of people responsible? You'd think he would've created a poisonous apple if it's such a big fucking deal. If you eat the apple, then you die. Again,...no muss, no fuss.
*"But God wouldn't do that...he's giving everyone a chance." No! He's not! If he's all knowing, then he knows who is going to help his enemies or deny him. He's holding a terrorist threat over the heads of humanity and saying, "Choose me or subject yourself to eternal torture." That's not a choice. That's manipulative terrorism. Why not just say "If you don't choose me, you will be denied my presence. You'll just cease to be - no heaven for you." Why hell? Why would the all-knowing, all-powerful master of the universe need to create hell? This also brings up the issue of predestination. Did God allow certain people to be born only to suffer?
* Why would a perfectly just God allow infinite suffering for finite crimes?
* Why are the punishments and scenarios limited to only things that ancient writers would've been able to conceive of? Notice that it's the four "horsemen" and not the four guys driving hybrid cars. There's no mention of pilots vanishing from the cockpit of planes (ala Kirk Cameron's style of "the rapture"). There's no talk of AIDS. No mention of nuclear weapons or biological warfare. There's not even the mention of massive global warming or ferocious blizzards. Why? Because none of these events would've happened, or been foreseeable, to the writers of the Bible! If the Bible had spoke of four, evil mortgage lenders or evolutionists on Segways riding across the skies, then I'd give the Christian God a bit more credibility for being the all-knowing, all-seeing, prophetic master of the universe.

The concept of Doomsday/End Times/Armageddon is a purely human concept. It's about power. You take the people you want to control and scare them into behaving the way you want them to (need them to). That's all this is. Most people don't' want to die and/or suffer. It's that fear that can be the greatest motivator in human experience. Using that fear to gain followers is a joke.

I know I'm not the first person to ask these questions (and I won't be the last).

The Reason for the Season

possum_momma — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 02:59:00 +0000

"Without celebrating Jesus, what is the reason for your celebration of the season?" - first Christmas card of the year note.

I got this card today from an old friend. She's known me for about ten years but only recently figured out I'm an atheist. When she found out, she didn't talk to me for a year. I understood her feelings when I told her, but I can't understand the fact that she can't accept it still. Actually, that's what she's said in her card, "I can't accept that you are an atheist..."

Here's the truth - I'm not asking her to accept it. Accept it or don't. Sending me snippy cards isn't going to change my feelings.

What's our reason for celebrating Christmas without Jesus? Easy. As I said last year, until a reputable authority shows me that the Christian Christ was actually born on December 25, this holiday isn't a celebration of the birth of Christ. If you say it's a symbolic celebration of his birth, then why is the date special? Why December 25th? I celebrate the fact that this time of year brings out the best in people (usually). I love it when I know every person in this house is busy planning little ways to make others feel good and loved. I love it when there's a holiday allowing my kids and I to sit down and paint ornaments for our tree or use clay to craft a keepsake for others. I don't need the holiday excuse, but it doesn't hurt. I celebrate the magic of the holiday as my children see it. P4 ran outside tonight and saw that a neighbor had put up lights on their house. He was so excited. P3 whispered in my ear, last night, that she couldn't wait to make puppy chow. The season is special because it's full of family traditions and rituals that we don't have at other times of the year. My reason for celebrating Christmas is purely selfish- I know my children will grow up and leave my side one day. Christmas gives me an excuse to pull them close and impart upon them all of the wonderful traditions and memories we've made. I get to spoil them with society's blessing. I also get to teach them about how special and privileged they are. I get to see their humanitarian sides grow with the understanding that not everyone has what they have. I celebrate Christmas for the construction paper chains, the time baking sweets with the kids, and the scene set before me on Christmas Eve when all of my babies are sleeping together in the living room in perfect peace with sweet dreams. The lights from the tree make the room glow in pinkish-orange softness, which reflects off their sleeping faces. All is right with the world in that ten minutes when Pdaddy and I watch them sleep. I celebrate their childhood and the child within Pdaddy and I. It's about love. Love is the reason for the season. Even if you're a Christian, your celebration of Christmas is a profession of the love you have for your savior. I love my family every bit as much as you love your savior and that's reason enough to drop the petty concerns of normal life and focus on the love around me.

Global Warming Explained

possum_momma — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:20:00 +0000

P2 was telling me about a discussion in his social studies class. They were discussing the impact of global warming on farmers, especially in historically agrarian cultures. The teacher was sharing that ocean levels in India had risen and the global temperature change had resulted in changes to the cycle of cyclones (or something). I guess this boy put his hand up to argue that global warming wasn't real. The teacher, allegedly, told him that there were people who would agree with the boy's theory, but that he would like to know why the boy felt global warming was nonfactual. P2 says the boy said, the ocean rose because the "Christmas Tsunami" in 2004 pulled so much debris into the water that it was "like dumping boulders in your pool and blaming the spill over on global warming".

*I'll pause while you consider this.

The teacher tried explaining the size of the ocean and the flaws in the boys theory. Boy got angry with teacher. Teacher said that he would like to see where the boy got this information/idea from so that he can read-up on it. Boy tells him that people in Noah's time thought their flood was from global warming, too...or so says the boy's minister.

This is why rational people don't take creation science seriously.