Aren't we cute??

Oh, you most certainly are.

Surgery and recovery-ma for Vortex's godson.

Very cute, ChiKat.

Chikat, SO CUTE! I love that picture.

I tend to just not have regrets, period, because everything that I've done or experienced, good or bad, has lead me to a specific place, and I'm kind of happy with that place.

Even small things aren't worth regretting. Like, I'd regret buying this house instead of house X, except that I have no idea if the series of events that lead to me being involved in online fandom would have happened if I hadn't been specifically here, and no idea if I'd be having the kid I'm having in ten and a half weeks if the location had shifted.

I'm well aware that many of my choices have been not-so-smart, but they've made me who I am today.

Thanks, y'all!

Jen reminds me of SA, a little.

Yes! Quite a lot in real life, actually.

And Matt has a William H. Macy thing going on.

Lil' bit, yep. He's a doll, too. And, he told me that I had a great ass, so I'm in love with him.

Oh! And Teppy? You can't see in the picture. But he (the BF) has big hands. Nice, solid, big hands. Yum....

But what if it isn't about "deprivation and denial and guilt" to the people involved? What if they see chastity as a rational choice (which it can be) and one their god approves of (which it also is, though their god may not = my god or your god or The God)?

Like you, I have a problem with people being made to feel dirty for being human. But the choice to only have sex in marriage, if freely entered into, is as valid as the choice to sleep with a different person every day for 75 years, or anything in-between.

I'm overstating my case somewhat. Obviously, I respect Nilly's choices in the matter. Most people aren't Nilly, though. And I don't think it's driven out of that kind of thoughtful spirituality, but social pressure and shame. Theoretically? Yes, you're right. Obviously people differe and can make that kind of choice. Historically, in real terms? It's hateful. Part of the long tradition of Christian shame about the body and sex.

And as noted, it's not in the Old Testament and I don't think it's in the Gospels. I blame Paul.

::waits for wife to rush in to defend Paul::

Like you, I have a problem with people being made to feel dirty for being human. But the choice to only have sex in marriage, if freely entered into, is as valid as the choice to sleep with a different person every day for 75 years, or anything in-between.

I agree with this. I am very conservative on this topic but just because that's true doesn't mean I feel "sheltered" or welcome others' pity. I will not condemn others for the choices they make even if I don't agree, but I do not appreciate people telling me I should, for example, sleep with a couple people to find out what I like and that I'll be better for it. (This is not directed at anyone, but just a general me vs. world statement.) I'm better off following my heart and mind for what's best for me. By doing this I will hopefully avoid some guilt just because someone else "said". If my stance differs from someone else's view, so be it, just don't judge me because of it.

::waits for wife to rush in to defend Paul::

JZ has a defense for Paul???

::boggles::

This I gotta hear.

Song of Solomon is in the Bible too, dangit

I made sure this was included in our wedding ceremony. *g*

Song of Solomon has a line I have always wanted my Twoo Wuv to say to me: "You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace."

Yes, I am a cheesy sap.

(And the line from Song of Solomon [NIV] that has always made me laugh: "Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn." WTF?)