Another Positive Step in the March for Equality

The supreme court ruled 5 to 4 yesterday that marriage for gay people is a fundamental right, which cannot be denied by popular vote. I am so proud of my country right now, and so disappointed with the 4 dissenters on the court. Those 4 conservative justices ought to be ashamed of themselves.

The Obama administration celebrated with this incredible illumination of the White House:

In 1967, the supreme court passed down a ruling in Loving v Virginia that prevented the states from passing laws preventing people of different races from getting married. That case is recognized today as a no brainer by nearly everyone. Oddly enough, there are people in significant numbers that disagree with yesterday's decision, despite the obvious similarities with the Loving case.

Individuals should be able to choose whom they marry, period. End of story. Full stop.

The next time someone tells you they believe in traditional marriage, ask them which one. As I already pointed out, prior to 1967, traditional marriage meant marrying someone with the same skin color. And if you continue moving back in time in this country's history, you'll find that traditional marriage used to mean that women were simply treated as property, which sadly, is still traditional for some people.

Personally, I believe in marriages that are based on love and mutual respect. That definition may not qualify as traditional in conservative circles, but it does honor the rights of individuals to make their own choices concerning marriage, which is something I proudly support as a liberal.

Kristen Graduated from High School

We spent last weekend in Minnesota with Kristen and the rest of the Minnesota peeps. Fun was had by all.

Congratulations Kristen!

Baseball at Normal Community West

Michele and I watched today as the Normal Community West Wildcats defeated the Normal Community Ironmen 3 to 1 in a Sectionals match.

The Wildcats take on their next opponent this coming Saturday. Good luck Wildcats!

Honor Track Meet

Michele and Sara and I went to Bloomington High School yesterday to watch Andrea run in the Honor Meet. Andrea wasn't happy with her performance, but our group thought she looked amazing!

A Few More Pictures with the Graduate

Graduation Party

This weekend's graduation festivities came to a head at this afternoon's outdoor party. Luckily, the rain showers were minimal.

High School is Officially Over

Nick, Andrea, Brian and Drew graduated from High School yesterday, and naturally, I took lots of pictures.

We couldn't be more proud of our High School peeps. Congratulations peeps!

The College Peeps are Back in Town

College is out for the summer, which means all of our college peeps will be stopping by to hang out, play cards, or both. A few of them stopped by last night, and I did manage to get a picture or two. Won't be long before the high school peeps get their taste of freedom.

Kyle at Fort Leonard Wood

We drove to Springfield on Wednesday to move Alex back home from Missouri State University. While passing the exit for Fort Leonard Wood, which is where Kyle is currently stationed, we discovered that the base is only 3 miles South of I-44, so we stopped in and said hello.

Tie Dye

Michele, Nick and I made tie dye shirts last week with the help of our good friend Andrea. The shirts turned out very nice.

Final Performance

Nick's final performance at Normal Community West High School occurred earlier this week. It was a bittersweet ending to more than 8 years of school band:

Seth and Nick



Mr Budzinski Conducts the Band

Illinois State University Harpist accompanies the Normal Community West Band

Love That Dog

Who couldn't love that face? Cody is the best dog in the whole world, and that's no exaggeration

A Walk in my Shoes

Should you find yourself walking

in my shoes there won't be much talking

stepping timidly the shoe will guide

light cascading on its unassuming side

 

cotton sewn lace

holds the tongue in place

held up by its foundation

worn by lasting duration

 

though cautious and cognizant

each stride is self confident

with care each seam

sewn fluidly like a stream

 

warm interior burning

with creative energy yearning

to build, shape, construct

brought to heel with fear of self destruct

 

- Nicholas Huber -

Track Meet

Michele and I went to a track meet yesterday to watch our good friend Andrea compete. It was an exciting event to watch. We hope to see her compete again before track season ends.