In hindsight, that might not have been such a bad idea.  Now, I definitely think the driving age should be raised.  Age is just a number.  There are some really irresponsible drivers that are in every age group, but the statistics don’t lie (statistics can be deceiving, however).  A good number of fatal accidents involve young drivers.  While raising the driving age to 18 won’t prevent these fatal accidents, it may lessen them.  I won’t even begin to talk about how many non-fatal accidents involve young drivers because there are so many.

There are some states that have taken the initiate and started a Graduated Drivers License program.  It puts more restrictions on young drivers, such as how many passengers they can have in the car and how many people they can have in the front seat.  I think this is a good idea because it’s really easy to get distracted while driving.  The more people in the car, the easier it is to get distracted.  I remember when I first started driving, I wanted to pile everyone in my car.  Now let’s add talking on a cellphone and text messaging for driving and it’s a recipe for disaster.

However, I like to think that I was responsible back then.  I do know that I’m a much better driver now.  I’m more alert and just more experienced in general.  I don’t think having more experience doing something is a bad thing, especially driving.

I think putting a motor vehicle in the hands of a 16 year old is just absurd.  While driving is not dangerous by nature because it can be done safely, it can become very dangerous when put in immature or inexperienced hands.  Having both immaturity and inexperience is just asking for trouble.   Many 16 year olds don’t grasp that their actions while driving can having really drastic and/or tragic consequences.

I think requiring more time driving with experienced drivers could really help young drivers be in certain situations and have something there to help them.  While this will not stop some young drivers from engaging in some dangerous behavior when alone or not in the presence of an adult, such as hill-jumping, text messaging while driving, etc, it might stop others.

So now here’s where I turn it over to you, what do you think?

So that got me thinking about how many people marry the wrong person and they know it at the time.  So that leads me to some questions:

1. Under what circumstances, if any, would you ever marry the “wrong” person.  (If the right person was already married? etc) 
2. Do you think you can be in love with (not just love but actually be in love with) more than one person at the same time?
3. Do you believe you’ll end up with the person you are supposed to no matter what because that’s just how it’s supposed to be?
4. Do you believe you’ll end up with the person you are supposed to no matter what because that’s just how it’s supposed to be?
5. What do you think about people marrying the “wrong” person because the right one isn’t an option? 
6. Do you think a lot of people marry the for the wrong reasons? 

You can answer as many questions as you like or just comment on the secret in general.   Now what kind of blog owner would I be if I didn’t answer my own questions?  So here we go:

1. Under what circumstances, if any, would you ever marry the “wrong” person.  (If the right person was already married? etc)  I don’t think I could ever marry someone if I didn’t love them with my whole heart.  I’m such a romantic, though, so I just couldn’t see myself being happy with someone if I wasn’t in love with them.
2. Do you think you can be in love with (not just love but actually be in love with) more than one person at the same time? I actually don’t.  Being in love with someone is such a powerful thing. I can’t imagine having those types of feelings for two people at the same time.
3. Do you believe that there is only one right person for you, like a soul mate? I’d like to think so. Like I said, I’m a romantic. But what then about the people marry once and are in love with them completely and for some reason it doesn’t work out (death or whatever) and then those people remarry and find love again.  It happens often so I’m not sure what’s going on.  I do believe that there is only one right person for me, though.
4. Do you believe you’ll end up with the person you are supposed to no matter what because that’s just how it’s supposed to be? Again, I’d like to think so but I think that you can screw it up.  For example, with my husband.. I was dating someone at the time that we realized our feelings were something more than friends.  I could have stayed with that person to see where it went with us OR I could have done what I did and broke up with him to see where things went with my husband.  Had I not broke up with the boyfriend, I don’t know where my husband and I would be right now.  I’d like to think we would still be together but maybe we wouldn’t have found our way back to each other for years, you know?
5. What do you think about people marrying the “wrong” person because the right one isn’t an option? I think it is very selfish if you know the person is completely in love with you.  Obviously if you are marrying your “2nd choice” because the 1st one isn’t available, I don’t think that is fair to the one you are marrying at all.  That person deserves more than that.
6. Do you think a lot of people marry the for the wrong reasons?  I’d like to think they don’t but I’m sure it happens.  However, I don’t think that all people who marry for the wrong reasons know they did it.
   

Your turn!

Monday:  Bike 6 miles (5 mile route + to and from class)

Tuesday:100 Pushups Challenge (I have a 13 hour day this day so I decided to go easy on myself)

Wednesday:  Play racquetball for an hour in the morning, bike to and from class (1 mile)

Thursday:  Play racquetball for an hour in the morning, bike to and from class (1 mile), 100 Pushup Challenge

Friday: Bike 6 miles (5 on my route, 1 to and from class)

Saturday: Bike 5 miles, 100 Pushup Challenge

Sunday: Bike 5 miles

First of all, I hate running and I ran for a day and I knew that it wouldn’t work because I’d make excuses all.the.time. So.. no.  But I love to bike even with the soreness of my butt afterwards.  I’m gonna get one of those comfy seats though.. soon!  For now, I’ll just suffer because it’s worth it, I think.

So the actual schedule doesn’t start until next week but I have been biking as much as possible.  Thanks to Connie for the tip!  So, I’ll try to keep you updated about progress in case you are on the fence of starting a schedule!

At about 4:40 a.m. just when I was reaching for my phone to call the cops to get them to just shut up… they all scattered.. like magic.  It was a beautiful thing.  Now, I’m so tired because I got up at 8 that I can’t get motivated to do a darn thing.  I’m working on it though.

And my husband got up at about 5:30 a.m. to go to work all day.  I have a feeling it’s going to be early to bed tonight for us.

My own personal feelings are conflicted because I see the advantages and disadvantes of homeschooling and public school (or private school).  For example, there have been studies that show that homeschooled children outperform public school children on standardized tests.  I just can’t help but think, though, how much homeschooled children are missing out on.  What if they have a really great interest or talent in art but their parent that is teaching them doesn’t know how to grow that interest or talent?

What if they are really good at some sport but homeschooling doesn’t give them that chance?  I don’t know.  I feel like the decision whether to go to public school or being homeschooled should be the child’s choice at some point.  Of course, it is a parent’s job to make decisions for their child and do what’s best for them but at the same time, I really think parents can hinder and even hurt their child’s development by making poor choices.

Just because a person is a parent does not make them a good parent.  There are other considerations as well like the parents who force their ideas on their children and then those children don’t have the social interaction necessary to force them to be open to other ideas.  Homeschooling is growing so things are developing to help the children (and parents) who participate in home schooling but one issue is that, it’s not as diverse as a public school.

Sometimes parents just aren’t qualified to teach certain subjects.  There’s a reason why we have teachers to do it and why you need a teaching certificate.  Of course, I do believe that the public school system is bias and has it’s own agenda in certain respects.  I mean when I was in elementary school and learned about the Civil War, the textbooks portrayed Lincoln as this amazing man when really, he wouldn’t have freed the slaves if keeping slavery would have kept the Union together.   He, himself, had slaves.

As I’ve already said, I’m conflicted on this issue.  I don’t think a public school is for everyone just like I don’t think homeschooling is for everyone.  And I’m interested on hearing your takes on this issue. Your thoughts?

Monday: Push-Ups, Ab work out
Tuesday: Running or Biking, Jumping Rope
Wednesday: Push-Ups, Ab work out
Thursday: Running or Biking, Jumping Rope
Friday: Push-Ups, Ab work out
Saturday: Push-ups and Jumping Rope
Sunday: Ab Work Out and Biking

I hate running with a passion so I’m hoping that having the option to bike some days will help. Biking makes my butt hurt though so if I bike one day and run another that should help offset stuff. I don’t feel like this schedule is too hard or too light and I hope I see some results in the weight and toning area. I don’t do the gym.. because I like working out outside or somewhere “easy”. I already have to get up at 5:30 on Tuesdays to do the workout in the morning since that is the best time to work out so if I had to get up early to drive to the gym and drive back, I wouldn’t do it.

This one hundred push-ups business is serious. My initial test was PATHETIC. I cannot even reveal how many I was able to do. It’s THAT sad. Now jumping rope I actually LIKE. I like to see how many jumps I can do. I was up to over 500 at one point. Each day I’d add 50 or 100. So I’m hoping I haven’t lost too much now that I haven’t jumped in months.

I’m coupling this exercise with eating healthier: better foods, smaller portions and eating something every 3 hours. I’m making a commitment here so let’s hope I stick to it as I really want to do this. Wish me luck and perseverance!

First, let me talk about my favorite shows that are returning!

One Tree Hill
Returns: Monday, September 1st

The reason I still watch this show is that I’ve watched it from the beginning and I NEED to find out what happens between Lucas and Peyton mostly. Apparently we find out rather soon in the season premiere so that is pretty darn exciting.

Most of the time on this show, it’s really unrealistic but I understand it’s TV and it’s for entertainment purposes.

Grey’s Anatomy
Returns: Thursday, September 25th

Well, the last couple seasons this show has made me quite angry (Izzy/George.. come ON!) but I’m not giving up hope especially considering the last season finale. The show is full of drama and fun. I love each character in its own way (even MEREDITH).

Brothers & Sisters
Returns: Sunday, September 28th 10/9c

This show is absolutely one of my all-time favorite shows. The cast is just amazing and the acting is superb. I am NOT too thrilled about the Justin/Rebecca storyline or having a new Walker but I’m gonna give it a chance because I won’t give up on this show.

Dexter
Returns: Sunday, September 28th

I won’t lie. I don’t watch this show during the season because I don’t get Showtime. But I do buy the seasons and watch later. But still, I’m excited for it to come back because it’s just freakin’ awesome. Very interesting plot concept. Interesting cast. Good acting.

Private Practice
Returns: Wednesday, October 1st

So I love Addison and am excited to see what the new seasons of PP brings. I found it not as entertaining as early Grey’s but sometimes last season it was better than Grey’s. Let’s hope they keep it going. Of course, if it sucks, that’d be okay too so then Addison can come back to Grey’s.

Dirty SEXY Money
Returns: Wednesday, October 1st

I LOVE THIS SHOW. It’s so full of deceit, lies, and just plain fun sometimes that I can’t help but loooove it. I’m still waiting to find out who killed Nick’s father but I have my guesses.

Okay now onto the NEW shows I plan on attempting to watch…

Raising the Bar
Premieres Monday, September 1st

Thankfully this premieres after One Tree Hill or it would be out of luck. From what I’ve read it’s supposed to be like grey’s only we have lawyers and not doctors. Interesting!

90210
Premieres: Tuesday, September 2nd
Well, I have a feeling I’m going to hate this show but since I loved the original, I’m going to give it a chance. Plus, Jennie Garth (Kelly Taylor) and Shannon Doherty (Brenda Walsh) are in the first few episodes and LUKE PERRY is in talks to reprise his role as Dylan McKay. Holy crap.

Sons of Anarchy
Premieres: Wednesday, September 3rd

This is about a biker gang or something.. now I can’t remember but it sounds interesting and I’ve heard rave reviews.

Fringe
Premieres: Tuesday, September 9th

JOSHUA JACKSON. ‘Nuff Said. This is NOT my type of show normally since it’s in the realm of the X-Files but I’ll give it a chance.. for Josh.

My Own Worst Enemy
Premieres: Monday, October 13th

Christian Slater! Apparently he’s got this secret agent thing going on but he has alter egos. His normal self doesn’t know what his alter ego does while he’s… doing stuff!

And finally, shows that are no more that I am going to miss dearly.

October Road
I think this show was a little underrated. It was a show that many people related to and maybe it wasn’t a fantastic show.. I sure loved it. *sniff* The good news, I guess, is that the show is going to put a 15 minute Epilogue on the DVD and maybe online so fans can get some closure. Amen.

Jericho
Just a effen awesome show and it sucks that it was canceled. I hate you CBS.

Does this man need an introduction. Matthew McConnaughey *cue dreamy sigh* I’ve been in love with this man since The Wedding Planner but fell deeper in love him and his beautifulness during Failure To Launch. I love his sexy hair, his gorgeous blue eyes and his breathtaking body. Yummy! Have you ever seen this man shirtless? ‘Nuff said.

Dave Annabelle. This beautiful specimen can be found on your television on Sunday Nights at 10/9c on Brothers & Sisters. He’s just beautiful and adorable. His character (Justin) is a little less yummy since he is now dating his once-thought-to-be sister and ex-gf in real life. Weird? Word!

Drew Fuller. So this yummy fella caught my attention on Army Wives (yes, I watch the show). Apparently he was also on Charmed but I didn’t watch that show. Anyway, this picture shows exactly why I luff him. Look at those eyes.. that face. He’s just freakin’ hot! If I didn’t already love the show, I might watch Army Wives just for him.

Jesse McCartney. I know, I know. Of all the people in the world, right? However, this boy is fine. I had a little bit of a crush on him when Summerland was on but I feel it’s a little less creepy for me to think he’s hot now that he’s of age (and then some). Of course, now there are rumors he’s dating Miley Cyrus which make him a little less desirable but he’s still nice to look at.

This little boy beats them all, I think. His name is Jackson Brundage. He plays little Jamie Scott on the CW’s One Tree Hill. I would like to hang out with this adorable boy for a day because he’s too cute. I want to pinch his cheeks!