I'm in a ranting mood... (Annotated on April 14)

...and it's coming out in bumper-sticker-type sayings.

This all started because the truck in front of me at the gas station ($2.79 a gallon, I want to collectively dope-slap the Big Three, the politicians who have shot down fuel efficiency requirements since the 1970s, and any company in power who's deep-sixed high-efficiency prototypes.) Anyway, where was I? The truck had a bumper sticker that said "My Newfoundland is smarter than your honor student."

So my mind started going...

My Russian Blue is smarter than your honor student.
I don't really think Ivan is smarter than, say, our nine-year-old nephew who I just found out reads at a 12th grade level (go Brian!). I do think he'd give our two-year-old niece Mary a run for her money (but not for long...)

Support all families. Support same-sex marriage.
I'm especially ticked off about those "Protection of Exclusively Heterosexual Marriage Act" laws these days because 1. one of my friends here was seriously ill and hospitalized for two weeks and his legal-in-Vermont-and-Canada husband wouldn't have been able to *visit* him if we had one of those dumb laws. and 2. Another friend is losing her health insurance because even though her wife's university currently provides insurance their state has one of those laws and it will be cut off soon. Incidentally, of the four couples in same-sex committed relationships whom I know personally, three were married in the eyes of their religions. So if it's a "values/morals" issue--why deny something approved by many branches of the Quaker, Pagan, Jewish, Unitarian, some Protestant and probably some Buddhist faiths?

Pelosi for President in '07
This is an actual bumper sticker. I'm not that crazy about Pelosi but agree with what is implied by this statement. Yes, I want both those guys impeached and thrown out!

I want our Constitution back from the neocons who stole it!
Five words: First Amendment and PATRIOT Act. There's a lot more where that came from...

When did "Christian" come to mean "intolerant, mindless supporter of war, wealth and corruption"? I want my religion back!
After what I've already said, do I need to elaborate? You don't even want me to start on the un-war in Iraq, tax breaks for the wealthy, Halliburton, or... let's just say I've seen one too many SUVs with fish and "W" stickers on them.


There. Now I feel better. Of course, if I put any but the first of these on my car I would be tempting everything from key-scratches to beatings here in Redneck Republicanland, in a district where a long-term legislator lost to a second-termer whose primary issue is opposing same-sex marriage. This in a district and county with slightly more significant issues such as severe pollution, a very tight budget, and housing out of the reach of most middle-class families.

Now I don't feel so good anymore. Good news, good news... Lois McMaster Bujold, Kage Baker, Chigusa Kawaii, and some British fantasy author are all publishing the final book in their current series in July. We're going to visit Tom next month (!) and go to a science fiction convention. I got four bars of my favorite fair-trade, organic dark chocolate in our co-op order yesterday. And Ken got his jacket and hat in the mail yesterday--thanks, Mom and Dad!

(note: I'm not a raving liberal; just a moderate-to-leftist politically, religiously and socially. I only seem radical because of the severe rightward swing of this country in the last dozen or so years. If you don't believe me, try reading 1970s era news, or current European news, and current nonfundamentalist Christian scholarship.)

Warning: this post, and any paper, audio or electronic communication you recieve from or send to me may be monitored by government officials without your or my knowledge or consent under the provisions of the PATRIOT act.

Yessss!!!

We are going to start in-vitro fertilization procedures!

It's completely a "go"!! In the past several months, we have:

--had numerous tests done (Beth, mostly, Ken had just one)

--talked twice with a fertility specialist

--had more tests done (mostly Beth, again) discovering that Beth effectively has slightly more than half a reproductive system (call us if you want details!)

--called a Quaker Clearness Committee to discuss, reflect on, and otherwise seek clarity regarding our fertility options and decided to try for IVF first

--talked with a high-risk obstetrician about our concerns regarding both the chances for a live healthy baby and for Beth's health

--made numerous phone calls regarding the ever-vital insurance coverage

--attended an IVF orientation session

--finally found out we got insurance approval today!

Still to come:

--more tests, including multiple ones for Ken

--lots of trips into Baltimore, mostly for Beth

--lots of chemicals/drugs, all for Beth, though Ken gets to inject some of them into her

--the necessary medical procedure

--waiting, emotions, uncertainty, all sorts of fun

::sigh::

Prayers, lighting candles, holding in the Light, rituals, calls, emails, support of all kinds are welcome. Heck, we even have a lucky Pet Sperm magnet on our fridge!