Miss USA Pageant

I tend to get myself worked up over political issues and most times get myself in trouble for speaking my mind or not being "politically correct!" I thought about posting this on Facebook, but then thought better of it and decided that I would blog about it since it's my blog and I can write what I want!

So Sunday night Miss California was given what I feel was a loaded political question asked by openly gay internet blogger, Perez Hilton. She was asked what her stance on gay marriage was. She explained that for her she felt that it was to be between a man and a woman and apologized if that offended anyone. She was promptly booed by the audience. Miss California went on to be first runner up leaving many to wonder if her politically charged question was the reason she lost the crown.

Since that night, Miss California has been all over talk shows trying to defend the answer she gave that night. She has been dragged through the mud by the Miss California Director, who only nights before was touting her as the best woman to win. She is being called ignorant, stupid, multiple expletives and is now in jeopardy of losing her Miss California title because she is such an "embarrassement" to the organization.

I don't care what your stance is on this issue, or whether or not you think what she said was right, but how she is being treated now is sickening. I understand that times have changed and the Conservative Right is now the minority and it is not popular to have religious convictions or views, but to be harassed and condemned for your opinion is horrible. Since when is there only one right answer, and one right way to think...come on!

My stomach turns just thinking about where our country is going in this regard. I am proud that we have moved forward as a country in regards to gay and lesbian rights and racism, but at what end? Are the people who have religious beliefs and values no longer relevant and all the sudden ignorant? I am ashamed that we have moved so far forward only to take a HUGE step back in not allowing all Americans to have a right to belief how they want to. We talk about tolerance, respect and equal rights for gays and lesbians, but where is the tolerance and respect for those who oppose those same issues?

Our Little Easter Bunny

The Hamilton family had a wonderful Easter Sunday. We were lucky enough to see lots of family and go to a wonderful Easter service. On our way to church Nick and I were remembering how we use to go to Arlington Cemetary on Easter when we lived on the East Coast. Arlington Cemetary is one of the most popular locations to celebrate the holiday and we always enjoyed participating in such a neat celebration. The only downside to attending the service at the cemetary is the cold weather and COLD concrete benches you have to sit on. After our first year we learned that you need to bring lots of blankets to keep you warm during the freezing sunrise service...what fun memories!

As Chloe is a little bit too young to understand the meaning of Easter, she did seem to enjoy the other fun associated with the holiday. She received two Easter baskets filled with lots of fun things, her favorite being her new pair of sunglasses! What a fun day!

The March that was Madness!

March came and went so fast this year...I think because we were so busy enjoying so many things!

Nicks Favorite March Activity: March Madness! Ever since I can remember, Nick has loved NCAA basketball! He is a sports maniac and 32 basketball games in one day is like a dream! This year Nick entered a pool of 350 people and unfortunately took a stab at Oklahoma winning it all and they lost in the Elite 8...oh well, there's always next March.

Manda's Favorite March Activity: My Birthday! This year seemed like I was spoiled more than ever before. The presents were fantastic, Nike Shox, lots of Aveda, Clothes, Personalized Stationary and a to die for ERGO and an annual Zoo Pass! My mother-in-law had a cake made especially for me in the shape of a huge cupcake...awesome! I can't remember enjoying my birthday so much but everyone made it so special.

Chloe's Favorite March Activity: Chloe took her first trip to the Zoo! We thought she would be a little young to enjoy it, but we were wrong, she LOVED it. Grandpa Mark is a docent at the zoo so he was able to give us a wonderful tour and tell Chloe all about the animals. We are really looking forward to many more trips to the zoo.

So now we are on to April. The weather is great, Chloe is at a wonderful age, Nick is loving the ER and I am just sitting back enjoying it all. We are in preparations for our month long move to San Francisco in May so this month will be full of planning and lots of anticipation of our adventure that awaits!