I'm not really sure why the link below wasn't working, but thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Let's try again....

www.chrissyrenae.com

new

Time to do some link switchage-- this blog is OVER. Updates will no longer occur here, but if you want to keep stalking me, go to

www.chrissyrenae.com

It's a website. With a blog. All about me. I'll be better about updating it to make it worth your while. I promise.

return of the jedi

So after a 15 week hiatus........

I AM BACK!!!

I am so sorry about the long delay, I have been the worst blogger on the planet. Today I looked up an old post I wrote and then started reading through everything, and it was like a little memory walk. Now I'm mad at myself for not being more diligent about it over the past few months. I have been about-ok at updating our family blog, so I guess I should get a little credit. Anyone who hasn't checked that out yet should definitely take the time to do so. My family is just awesome. Also, entertaining. So don't forget to add a link for our family website and check it regularly.

I have returned to MY blog and I promise I will make a better effort about updating and such. Also, I suppose it is mixed with some selfish endeavors, as I am in the middle of building a radical new website and I want you all to remember who I am so you will actually read it once its up.

I know I have officially crossed into the realms of NERD land in the eyes of many, but I promise it's cool. I bought a few domains last week, set myself up with a server, and am taking some courses with the one and only Jon Sanderson to learn all about the website building process. Plus, I'm in the best place to learn about such things, as I am surrounded by internet wizards all day long. I think it's an important part of getting better at my job too, since I feel like actual knowledge about the workings of PPC and SEO are my struggling points around here.

I'm not releasing the domains YET, but as soon as I get a theme and some quality content rolling, I'll start directing you there as well. So keep your eyes peeled!

family blogsters

And then the waiting time is extended, so neither happens. No excitement, and no closure. Just more waiting. Awesome.

In more exciting news, we just got a new family blog, and everybody should go check it out. The Schwab-Barnes family is basically the besssssssst so it will be worth an extra click.

Visit the SCHWAB BARNES BUNCH and leave us some lovins :)

wrath of nerves.

Do you ever have those days where you feel like your life could either change dramatically in a matter of minutes, or it could just carry on the same uninterrupted?

Today is one of those days.

I feel like my stomach is eating itself. Or maybe that's a racoon...

inbetween trips, i watch CNN

Thoughts of the Day:

-Leave Palin alone already! I thought the pestering would die down once the election was over, but no such luck. She is a good woman and I dare even say I think she is quite intelligent (dont worry, im as surprised those words are coming out of my mouth as you are). She’s young, hot, and super smart. Although there was obviously some controversy around her nomination for VP, she did NOT destroy the McCain campaign. McCain destroyed it when he was old, boring, and running as a Republican in a year when people pretty much just hate Republicans. Stop using her as a scapegoat!

-I’ve never been a happier person than when it was announced Obama won. I was actually sitting in Del Taco (sadly I still couldn’t bring myself to miss Taco Tuesday, EVEN on election night…) and all of a sudden I got 5 happy phone calls all in a row. What an exciting moment in history!!!

-Prop 8 passed… no comment. People are protesting against the Morms… surprised? No, not at all. But really can you blame them? It does make me sad that people are protesting in front of the temple and blaming it allll on the LDS Church, but I still fully expected it. The Pro-8ers had the right to fight for it, and the opposing side has the right to protest its passing. That’s the way the political process works!!! Especially when it’s a heated issue that passes/fails based on a strong grassroots movement. I’m just grateful we live in America and are all entitled that right, no matter what the opinion may be.

-I’m trying to be all awesome and involved in my ward, but for every step I make forward, I feel like I’m thrown back another 10. I went to a mini- “get to know you” activity at my Bishop’s house (without the roommates… which means I get like quadruple the points), and everything went great and I met some pretty cool people……. Until it all went downhill in a ball of flames. Person 1: “Yeah, in most Arab countries, homosexuality is illegal” Person 2: “Oh, well that’s good” Me: “Yeah, but they like… KILL them for being gay. It’s pretty terrible.” Person 3: “Haha, maybe they should try that in California”. Me, in my head “WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE”. But really… compare Arabs killing gay people with California? Do people, even MORMON people, really think we should KILL GAY PEOPLE? In 2008? As Christians? In America? Wow. I couldn’t say a word for the rest of the evening, and went home with tears streaming down my face. Sometimes Utah just kicks me in the gut.

As soon as CNN will stop talking about the election and propositions and transitions to power, I might be able to think about other things in the world. But then I think... what else IS there in the world?? I don't even remember what newspapers and television and my brain were like before the elections. My past YEAR has been wrapped up in the elections, and it's a bit hard to let it go. But I'm working on it, and CNN should too!

ORLANDO

November 5th-11th

HALLOWEEN 08

October 31st

Roadtrip to Oceanside

October 24-26

VEGAS

October 11-15

because i have a three minute pause

San Diego was amazzzzzing, but the drive home wasn't the most fantastic thing. Apparently deer and metal moving at a pace of 80mph dont mix together very well... and now my car is very very dead. As is the deer.

Pictures to follow shortly...............

california, please

Sorry everyone, I am a terrible blogger. My life is great, that’s all you really need to know. I went to Vegas last weekend and it was super fun. I love my job! It sounds weird, but I feel like trade shows are just like a perfect fit for me. Not forever of course, but for my age, situation, and personality, it’s pretty ideal. What’s better than being surrounded by a million people, meeting and talking to a ton of people, selling those people a sweet service, AND getting free trips to rad cities on a regular basis? Not much can top it.

I got my gym pass this week for the lovely Orange Soda employee price of $9/month, and so far I'm loving it. I adore the kickboxing class, though it doesnt love me back too much. Hopefully we can become better friends as I prove my dedication.

Um reallly that's all I can think of in the way of catching up. There wasss a whole lot of drama on my facebook, but luckily that's all tapering off now. Good thing, because the brain-near-explosion thing was getting really old. How do political debaters and bloggers do it for a living? It's TAXING on the brain and the soul, I don't think I could handle it for extended periods of time.

In other news, I'm going to San Diego tonight. Random, I know. Leesh and I were chatting online at work like usual, and suddenly we realized WHY NOT go to California? Since we're probably the world's most random people, it of course made perfect sense and now it's a go. So, look forward to a few snapshots from the adventures of Leesh, Chrissy, Aaron, and Andre in the land of sunshine.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

oh dear

MY HEAD IS GOING TO EXPLODE.

THE RESPONSE.

I have been working on putting together some sort of opinion essay, or response rather, to the wrath that has unraveled on my facebook wall, but it has proven much more difficult than expected. Obviously the use of "wrath" is a bit melodramatic, but it really has gotten out of control. Beyond the 20+ comments over the past week or so, I've also started receiving messages of curiosity and requests for explanation over facebook. Who would have thought that such controversy could ensue over a brief statement, which for the record was not even a political stance, about not "being a fan" of something.

After several days of pondering and several different versions of my so-called rant, I am at a loss of what to say. If you have your mind made up about this topic, there is really nothing I can do to change that. Before I go on, please read the letter sent out by the 1st Presidency at http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/california-and-same-sex-marriage Perhaps we can clear up a few misconceptions right from the beginning.

In the issue of politics, it has never been my intention to swing anybody from one stance to the other. I love talking politics and I love getting worked up over it, but rarely- if ever- with the intent of persuasion. If someone has done their research and has some solid arguments, I have never attempted to discredit their opinions. Particularly if I can sense they have a particular passion over it. It is for this reason that I take particular offense to some of the statements that have been thrown around based on Proposition 8- my wall being one particular venue as of late.

I am a human rights activist. No matter whom it is or what they believe, I believe in equal rights for ALL, particularly where no harm to others is involved. Right now, gay people in America don't have those equal rights. You can criticize their lifestyles all you want, you can hold up the religion flag and claim it as a sin all you want, but the point is, they are PEOPLE , they are doing no harm to anyone else, and they deserve the same rights and opportunities as any other person in this country. This country was founded on a group of people seeking to escape religious persecution, yet here we are trying to change the very foundation that many worked so hard to defend.

I have nothing against gay marriage. If two men or two women want to get married, so be it. It does not affect me personally and it's not going to affect MY marriage personally. As for Proposition 8, luckily I don't live in California anymore and I will not have to make the vote myself. In my heart, I am against it (aka "not a fan") and I see it inherently wrong and faulty. Furthermore, the so-called "evidence" to back it up is a construed arrangement of lies and fallacies. Nobody will have to learn about gay marriage in school, the Church will NOT lose its non-profit status, and temple sealers will NOT lose their licenses. I recommend all members of the pro-8 side read this document before writing the comments that are sure to follow this entry.http://connellodonovan.com/thurston_response.pdf I do not mind a bit if you disagree or comment, but I will mind if you use rumors and lies to back your argument. Regardless of reasons or spiritual levels or what anyone tries to say is right and wrong, I cannot say I am for Prop 8 and still feel like I'm being true to myself. The church's involvement in this issue makes me extremely uncomfortable, and I wish more than anything that they would have stayed out of it.

Sometimes "the prophet said so" is not quite good enough evidence in political realms. It might be for you, and that is great. However, when you make arguments in any sort of public venue, a religious rant just isn't going to cut it. If your goal is to truly deny gay people from ever getting married, you're going to need to find a few more reasons to convince the rest of the country. Because religion aside, I have yet to find one.

According to the last reports I saw, members of the Church had already spent OVER 10 MILLION DOLLARS toward the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign. To me this number is alarming and sad. It appears that this sudden explosion of support is simply an excuse for people to push their own anti-gay sentiments and feel more validated in their opinion. Now people can't knock you and say you don't believe in equal rights for everyone, because you have the church to stand behind as an excuse. For clarification, if you truly are standing behind this point of view strictly because you are trying to be a God-fearing person who accepts the Prophet's counsel, I have nothing against you. I will never judge someone who is simply trying to "follow the Prophet." From my discussions and inquiries, this rarely seems to be the case. Also, keep in mind all the other things the Prophets have taught, such as showing charity and love for your fellow men. That one seems to get cast aside quite often in discussions I hear regarding the gay community.

There have been many cases in the past when the Prophet has asked people to donate their time and their means to helping on a variety of different causes. In every General Conference session we are taught about Fast Offerings and Missionary Funds and Humanitarian Funds and the Perpetual Education Fund. All of these are great charitable causes put to good use. So where does an additional 10 million suddenly come from? I feel like the "official Church stance" has just become a wall of defense for the anti-gay rights team to hide behind; a sudden excuse to pour millions of dollars and millions of hours into "taking a stand" against gay people.

I also find it interesting that these claims on the definition of marriage are coming from Mormons. Did we not have our own battles about different "definitions" of marriage, a mere 150 years ago? Sure polygamy was technically "between a man and a woman", but it was still seen as weird and twisted by most of the American population. I'm sure those of you with long lines of LDS history in your family trees have heard stories of oppression and hardship because the rest of the country didn't understand WHY it was that the Saints took on this lifestyle. Why is it alright to bash on another group's "alternate lifestyle"? Because polygamy was called by God and homosexuality wasn't? Laws in America should not be based on whose side was called by God and whose wasn't. Separation of church and state is there for a reason.

I have many gay friends and even gay family members. They are very dear to me, and are some of the BEST people I have ever met. Where charity and love for people is concerned, I would hold them up against the Mormons I know any day. They want to be happy, they want to be part of committed relationships, and they want to be guaranteed the same rights in those relationships that the rest of us already have opportunity for. It's not about "destroying the sanctity of marriage" (cuz let's be honest... at a 50%+ divorce rate, we've pretty much lost it already), but making sure that all people have the same types of rights to the ones they love. Without the right to marry, presently those rights simply do not exist. In my search for more information and others opinions while I've been trying to make sense of all this, I have received several emails from some of these good friends, and I decided to share a couple.

"Denying people who love each other the right to get married does not question the sanctity of marriage. It enforces the values of marriage. Commitment, love, and happiness, a right everyone should be able to enjoy which should be guaranteed to anyone no matter what your sexual orientation, or gender. Also as an American in this country, it is not fair to deny me my rights as a human to marry the person I love because of religious practice that is ingrained into this society. There really is no valid reason why I am being denied my freedom." – Aaron

"If I want to join into a union with someone I love, I want to have the same rights under the law that a straight couple has. It's about the RIGHTS not about what they call it, or the religious aspects. For the gay couple who have been together for 50 years only to not be allowed to visit each other in the hospital or who have to PROVE something to jump in the back of the ambulance with their loved one... THATS what it's about for me." –Josh

“I think that our country was formed to give our citizens freedom, and so I wouldn't vote for anything that diminishes that.” –Carol

“"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" -Jeff

“As a person, gay or straight notwithstanding, I am expected to work or contribute in some way to society, pay bills, vote, etc so why shouldn't I be afforded the same rights along with the same responsibilities as everyone else? Proposition 8 just breaks my heart and frustrates the hell out of me because I don't see a lot of logic in it, just discrimination and hatred.” -Adam

Now, tell me how I am supposed to look into the eyes of these people who I care about and tell them that I would vote against their ability to share in the same rights as I will someday have the opportunity to enjoy? I look forward to spending my life with the one I love, and they only do the same.

To Prop 8 fanatics: It's so easy to talk big game about the sin of homosexuality and how the destruction of the world is surely near if they keep getting all these rights and how we should drop everything to devote all we have to making sure they never have the right to marry. Do you really know these people? Have you ever been faced with the decision of choosing your religion (since that's what everyone is telling you it comes down to) and telling your own family and friends that your religion, which you value so deeply, is commanding you to take a stand AGAINST them? Maybe your stance would still be for Proposition 8 from a purely religious standpoint, and I respect that. But perhaps you would approach it from a different angle. Perhaps support it in a bit of sorrow, rather than so much gloating.

VEGASSSSS

Just wanted to give a quick update while I have the internet for a few minutes. I'm currently in Las Vegas for work (that's right, how grown up does THAT sound?!?) but I'll be back on Wednesday. At the top of the priority list upon my return include:

1) mass retalliation regarding Proposition 8 drama that has been building up on my facebook while ive been away. i just caught sight of the bulk of the drama this evening, and i am OVERFLOWING with response. im giving myself a few days to think it over so i dont say anything rash, although no promises to how calm the end product will actually come across.

2) go get a Gold's Gym pass. i have just been informed its only $9 a month for Orange Soda employees. heck yessssssss

3) plan my nextttt trip to vegas

Yeah, I guess that's pretty much it. I thought the list would be longer, but I guess my life is pretty easy these days. Anyways, just wanted you to know I am alive, and also send out a minor press release that MY LIFE IS AWESOME. Seriously, you should be jealous of me.

one of those boring political ones THAT YOU SHOULD READ

It's official, my new job is rad.

Sadly, I missed Sushi tonight. This makes 2 weeks in a row, and I dont know how much longer my body will hold up without it. I missed Taco Tuesday anddd Sushi Thursday. What is this world coming to?

Caught the last half of the VP Debate tonight. Goodness I love politics. Not much makes me happier than a classic debate with real facts and tactful class. Props to Biden and Palin for displaying both. I was impressed by both of them (although I'm not going to lie... I'm mega crushin on Biden about now.) Some of you may have noticed that my Obama obsessions have toned down a little bit in recent posts. Let me explain. This does not mean in any way that my love for Obama has diminished. In fact, Biden's showing tonight really just made me like their ticket even more. Hopefully in a few weeks I'll even be going to Colorado to help with some campaigning. So, why less blogging and less obsessing over the big D's then?

Let's face it, I was a bit obsessed. The only problem with being obsessed with something is that... you're obsessed with it. It's harder to see and accept outside opinions and it's harder to find faults in the things you believe in. I'm all about being open minded, and being a fanatical Democrat doesn't help anything or anyone, not even me. I don't want people to ever think I support particular candidates just because I am a registered Democrat or that I'm too intense one way or the other to respect another opinion.

The fact of the matter is that I just generally tend to sway more liberal in most respects. It's truly difficult for me to think from other sides because I believe what I believe so strongly. I dont know if that's making any sense at all or if I'm able to portray what I'm wanting to. Basically I'm just saying that because I'm so opinionated and passionate about some issues it's really hard for me to think any other way. BUT I realize this is a major fault so I'm trying to correct it. I want to always be open to alllll ways of thinking, and respect everyone for how they think, even if it's completely opposite of what I believe. SO, even though I truly LOVE and fully support the Obama-Biden ticket, I also fully respect John McCain and Sarah Palin and all of their political efforts. Sure, I don't like their policies, Palin drives me nuts, and I don't like listening to McCain for longer than 5 minutes at a time, BUT- I still fully respect them and know they just want what they think is best for America, just like every other good politician.

So, cheers to me for trying to be less psycho. Weekly political rant, complete.

PS: If my back screen door creaks open and shut one more freakin time I'm going to pee my pants. WHY IS MY HOUSE SO CREEPY?!?

PPS: Kristen AND Afton AND Janessa are alllllll going to be in town this weekend. WOOT WOOT.

PPPS: I'm getting my car tomorrow (YAY), but I'm still in search of a good bike. Mine was stolen by the University Villa devil crew this summer, and I'm needin a replacement. Any leads?

looking upppppppp

OK, major apologies for the last post. I was obviously not very happy, and unfortunately took it out on the poor keyboard. I felt used, abused, and mostly poor. And feeling poor is probably one of the worst feelings everrrrr.

But in a fantastic turn of events.........I GOT A JOB.

Like a real one. The type where you go every day, they pay you the same amount every month (so you can actually budget- sweeeeet), you get a few paid weeks off, and you get a business card (ok, no guarantees on that one, but i'm keeping my fingers crossed). I'll be working as a Marketing Events Coordinator at Orange Soda, an online marketing company in American Fork. I have been super impressed by the company, and my job description sounds fantastic. I feel like it's the type of company that actually cares about their employees (crazy concept, i know) so that will be a great change. I can't wait to get started-- I really don't think it's possible to express how completely HAPPPPPPPPPY I am about it. Who would have thought that such a frustrating week could end so well? YAYYYYYYYY.

danger zone. you have been warned.

Screw trying to be positive. I don't remember being this deeply frustrated for a long time, and I need some sort of venting mechanism. I tried punching a wall, but it turns out that hurts REAL bad. So since this is my blog, you'll just have to deal with it. Prepare for some serious capital letters and a fair share of curses.

WHAT KIND OF DUMBASS COMPANY PULLS THIS KIND OF STINT?!?! This morning, after 2 weeks of continal promises that we'll "be back to work tomorrow", work was cancelled AGAIN. I woke up with complete optimism and walked myself across town, only to find an EMPTY office. Surprise, surprise.

Of course I was pissssssssed all over again, but the magic of the day had just barely begun. Finally I get a call that the company has another call center doing collections and I could come work there until our calls were up and running. Great news, right?! Yeah, until I found out that THEY WERE OPEN ALL ALONG and they could have had me come to this office for the past freaking 2 weeks. A different department, of course, but at least it's a freakin JOB. And then on top of that, the employees were all sworn to secrecy about their pay because they knew that once we found out how much these freakin idiots were making, we'd be pissed and want to leave the Sales department.

WELL DUH. But feeling lied to and taken advantage of makes me want to leave so much less. So they kept this whole call center a secret and instead kept us unemployed, all in fear we'd experience the land of great commissions and never return. SELFISH BASTARDS.

TWO AND A HALF YEARS with this damn company. Ive driven across the entire country TWICE for them, I've worked as an admin and a summer sales rep and their TOP SALES REP for all the time inbetween. And then they go and open a whole new division with higher commissions and DONT FREAKIN TELL ME ABOUT IT, just because they're too selfish to give up an employee or two that actually makes them some money.

Maybe they could work on making the sales center NOT SUCK and actually train their employees so they all can become good salespeople so they dont have to cling to the competent ones. Maybe they could hire good managers who actually know what the hell they are doing. Maybe they could stop buying so many freakin Hummers and fatty houses and trickle a little of that money down the line to their dedicated employees. Maybe they could ASK their employees for input so they dont implement stupid pitches and policies that DONT WORK and just lose them money and waste them time.

But that would just be too difficult and too smart, wouldn't it.

Moral of the story: DO NOT EVER WORK FOR INFINITI CORP.

for the love of lists

Rather than use my blog as a source for venting, which is what I reallllly feel like doing right now, I have decided to enlist the power of THE SECRET in my life and focus on the positive for a little while. So, here's a list of a few things that make me happppppppy. 

I LOVE...

my new house

thinking about Uganda

my roommates (and friends)

my sister

Dish Network. and selling it.

knowing what it's like to have an overabundance of free time

being productive

running

air conditioning

my new car! (which i have yet to view in person)

shows

pictures. taking, looking.

Macs. i rarely admit this.

chocolate

Africa reunions

frozen yogurt

the internet

sushi

the Ellen show

adventures

the hunt resumes

This is my 4th day off in a row..... AND I'M NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT IT.

It's really frustrating when a company you have been working for for over 2 years can just screw you over whenever they feel like it. Not only does this make the whole money sitch just that much worse, I really am out of ideas on what to do with all this free time.

When I was going to school, this much time off would have been a major blessing. I would have killed for a few extra hours to just relax or actually study or go visit a friend or even just clean my room. But, now that my life consists only of work, I'm left without much to do when it is taken away from me. So, here I am on campus (cuz that's what cool college grads do, obviously) job searching away in the computer lab. I need a second job, or a replacement job, or maybe even a REAL job to occupy more of my time. Free time kills me.

On a more optimistic note, this weekend was great. Joshua James concert, dance party, HELP reunion, playing with Alyssa and Thad, my new ward, hanging with Leesh, and a dessert party. Looking back I guess it was pretty jam packed... all the things I like best about Provo in one lovely weekend. As an update, I'm loving the new house and my new roommates-- it seems to have been a fantastic pick.

OH and it rained this morning and felt so Seattle-ish I was tempted to run away to the northwest and never return. As much as I lovvve summer, I'm getting a little excited to pull out the sweater box. BRING ON THE FALL.

Why is Thad so cute? This boy kills me.