i love my mom!

going through old photos...here is one of my favorites :)

officially Mrs. Huntsman :)

....we're gonna get MARRIED!!!!!!

Sooooo -- It's for REALS!! Justin Dean Huntsman proposed to me Friday night, June 26th on the beach in Gearhart, Oregon! We drove up to Oregon (Seaside Beach area) Wednesday night to be with his family at their family reunion.Friday night the family decided to have a big bonfire on the beach. The sun was starting to set and Justin and I decided to go for a walk on the beach...It was BEAUTIFUL!! We were walking and talking along the low tide, stopping every so often to look at the incredible sunset (and sneak in a few kisses, OF COURSE!). Justin picked up a stick off the beach and would write me little love notes in the sand. I'd respond with writing him back in the sand. Well, we kept walking, and talking. At one point, he wrote "Will you be mine?" and I responded "yes!"
I was pretty sure he wasn't going to propose that night because I was convinced he didn't have the ring yet. In fact, I was almost positive that he was going to propose that next weekend over the 4th of July at the cabin.

Well....we kept walking and talking... A little bit further down the beach, he wrote in the sand "Hey Britt?" I responded "Hey what?" Then he told me to turn around while he wrote in the sand. He wrote "Will you marry me?" (It was funny because I was secretly hoping that's what he would write, but I was convinced that he wouldn't because I didn't think he had the ring!) I turned around and as I read the words he wrote, he got down on one knee and pulled out the ring and asked me if I would marry him! Before saying anything, I took the stick from him and in big letters wrote "YES!" It was super romantic and beautiful and a complete surprise, which is what I wanted deep down inside!
We took a bunch of pictures, talked a whole lot more and started walking back to where his family was enjoying the bonfire on the beach. Neither one of us could stop giggling and smiling! I think I've had a perma-smile since that night! It was funny because he told me that no one except his parents knew that we had planned on getting married (yea....we've known for about a month now that we were gonna get married....in fact, the temple's been booked since the first of June! We have just been waiting to make it "official" with the ring and the proposal). However, after he proposed, I asked if anyone knew he was going to propose that night. He said that his siblings and parents knew.
When we got back to the bonfire, we kept my hand with the new and beautiful wedding ring hidden from everyone's eyes for about 30 minutes. It was funny because his parents and siblings all kept trying to look at my left hand, seeing if they could see the ring! We kept them in suspense for a little bit and then Justin announced it. It was neat to be able to share the excitement with his family (aunts, uncles, cousins included).
We are getting married on September 3rd, in the Idaho Falls Temple....and we couldn't be ANY happier!!

i am....

completely IN LOVE!!

the little Hofman piano prodigy....and drama queen

Just in case anyone doubted, I'm here to clear up the misconceptions... I ADORE my niece!!! I know I'm pretty partial, but I just thought this was pretty dang cute, especially when Hadlee realized it was herself being video taped and if she moved her head, the face on the camera screen would move too... :)

things i have done....

Bold the items you have done:

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland - does Disney World count?!
8. Climbed a mountain - Mt. Sinai (Egypt), Mt. Timpanogos
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea - not at sea, but PLENTY of lightening storms at Lake Powell!
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Been to the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
20. Slept on a train - in Egypt, from Cairo to Luxor
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - who hasn't?!
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping - haha....Lake Powell, Sea of Galilee, many mountain lakes, grandma's hot tub...hahaha
27. Run a Marathon - almost....okay....half way there.... 13.1 miles was a LONG way!
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - a trip to Holland with my grandparents
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language - I second Kathleen Bonifay -- I can't take all the credit, but learning Spanish as a missionary I also definitely felt like I taught myself a lot (and was blessed immensely!)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing for real
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight - Sea of Galilee (Israel), Lake Powell
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain.....AMAZING :)
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business - look me up on ebay -- arleneskitchen
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - i have a few choice plasma donating stories....hehe
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp - Dachau, Germany
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar - in Spain...it was way salty and really nasty
72. Tied a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a Bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem - one of the best experiences of my life
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - a chicken on a wilderness survival class at BYU
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous - Shawn Bradley (basketball player who played center for the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Nets and the Dallas Mavericks - NBA) - I worked with him last summer at West Ridge Academy. I also met the kid who played the blind boy on Dumb and Dumber...he was at EFY the one year I went....I got his autograph :) haha
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Visited Italy

i love my dad

Tonight, I called my dad to chat and get some advice on some things...he was at work late, getting caught up on some stuff and could have easily told me that he was busy and tired and just wanted to get stuff done at work so he could get home and go to bed...BUT, he didn't...he NEVER does. We chatted about things for a good hour....the conversation skipped from one thing to the next, just as it always does with my dad...talking about everything from business to boys to brothers to diets and eating healthy to business trips to church. When I said goodbye, I got on Gmail and dad was online....all I can say is I LOVE MY DAD and feel so incredibly grateful that I have the parents that I do....They are two of my best friends and bless my life every day.

i want to live in a wigwam

I love Cat Stevens!! this song just makes me smile....i hope to aspire to the living in a wigwam, igloo, caravan, commune, treehut experiences someday..haha....enjoy!

I'd like to live in a wigwam
Yes I'd like to live in a wigwam
I'd like to live in a wigwam and
Dance round the totem pole

I'd like to live in an igloo
Yes, I'd like to live in an igloo
I'd like to live in an igloo and
Fish from an icehole

I'd like to ride on a caravan
I'd like to take a ride on a caravan
Yes, I'd like to ride on a caravan and
Sing with the gypsies

I'd like to live on a commune
Yes, I'd like to live on a commune
I'd like to live on a commune and
People can call me a hippie

I don't want to live in a palace
No, I don't want to live in no palace
Oh I don't want to live in no palace
There's too many empty rooms

I don't want to live in a barracks
I don't want to live in a barracks
Oh I don't want to live in a barracks
And wake up to the bugle tune

I'd just like to live in a treehut
Yes, I'd like to live in a treehut
Yes, I'd like to live in a treehut and
Listen to the sound of the birds

I don't want to live in a jailhouse
Don't wanna bide my time in no jailhouse
No I don't want to live in no jailhouse and
Be fed bread through the bars

I'm glad I'm alive am I
I'm glad I'm alive am I
I'm glad I'm alive
I'm glad I'm alive
I'm glad I'm alive am I

We gotta get our heads up in the sky
We gotta get our heads up in the sky
We gotta get our heads up
Gotta give it time
We gotta get our heads up in the sky

Gotta get to heaven get a guide
We gotta get to heaven get a guide
We gotta have a guide
We gotta get to heaven get a guide

find a guy who calls you beautiful

find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot,
who calls you back when you hang up on him,

who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat,
or will stay awake just to watch you sleep…

wait for the boy who kisses your forehead,
who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats,

who holds your hand in front of his friends,
who thinks you’re just as pretty without makeup on.

one who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares
and how lucky he is to have you…

the one who turns to his friends and says,
“that’s her!”

~ anon ~

...speak to us of friendship...

Kahlil Gibran on Friendship

and a youth said, speak to us of friendship.
and he answered, saying:
your friend is your needs answered.
he is your field which you sow with love
and reap with thanksgiving.
and he is your board and your fireside.
for you come to him with your hunger,
and you seek him for peace.
when your friend speaks his mind you
fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor
do you withhold the "ay."
and when he is silent your heart ceases
not to listen to his heart;
for without words, in friendship, all
thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born
and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.
when you part from your friend,
you grieve not;
for that which you love most in him may
be clearer in his absence, as the mountain
to the climber is clearer from the plain.
and let there be no purpose in friendship
save the deepening of spirit.
for love that seeks aught but the disclosure
of its own mystery is not love but
a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable
is caught.
and let your best be for your friend.
if he must know the ebb of your tide,
let him know its flood also.
for what is your friend that you should
seek him with hours to kill?
seek him always with hours to live.
for it is his to fill your need, but not
your emptiness.
and in the sweetness of friendship let
there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
for in the dew of little things the heart
finds its morning and is refreshed.

pan integral

I made whole wheat bread on Saturday...and was reminded WHY I like making bread!!

• It's therapeutic kneading those loaves.
• I feel thrifty -- it's cheap to make....why spend money at the grocery store when you can make your own?!
• It's definitely healthy -- made with natural applesauce instead of oil and honey instead of white sugar and freshly ground whole wheat flour!
  
• I get to share it with others!
  

It's been a while since I last made bread...It will most definitely be happening mas a menudo...

If you're nice to me, I might just slice you a piece :)

thank you Aretha!

Watching Aretha Franklin perform just before President Obama took the oath of office on Tuesday brought tears to my eyes. I'm a sentimentalist through and through and I was definitely wearing my emotions on my sleeve that day.

Not only did I feel that her performance was powerful, moving, and extremely appropriate, but everything about it reminded me of my Grandma Elaine Hofman and how much I look up to her, love her and miss her!

I caught myself thinking about how Grandma would have appreciated the moment if she were alive.

Grandma would have appreciated and been excited about the setting -- the Inauguration of America's first black (not to mention Democrat!) president. My Grandma served her community and state in so many ways and was always actively involved in the political process. As Special Assistant to Idaho State Governor John Evans for 3 years, as Field Representative for U.S. Congressman Richard Stallings, and as a State Representative in the Idaho State Legislature Democratic seat for 6 years, my grandma embodied what Hubert Humphries described the purpose of government as being..."the moral test of government is how it treats those in the dawn of life - the children, those in the twilight of life - the elderly, and those in the shadows of life - the sick, the needy and the handicapped." My grandma worked for the betterment of these individuals and did a good job at it!

Grandma would have appreciated the song that was song by Aretha Franklin -- "My Country 'tis of Thee." Once, when Grandma was serving as the Special Assistant to Governor John Evans, the governor was unable to speak at a regional AARP conference and she couldn't find anyone to replace him. Therefore, the responsibility fell on her. In one long night, she created her patriotic program "I Am an American." Included in this program was the singing of many patriotric songs that Grandma loved and held dear to her heart. She eventually had these songs put to CD and would hand them out during Independence Day.

Grandma would have appreciated the voice of Aretha Franklin -- a voice rich, beautiful, and full of life and emotion. My grandm's voice was just that kind of voice and she used it to benefit the lives of so many around her. In 1963, Grandma woke up to practice a song at the piano, but when she went to sing, she had no voice. She thought it was just laryngitis, but it was much more serious. Grandma received a priesthood blessing and was promised that she would indeed sing again and use her voice for righteousness. She was unable to sing for three years. When she finally regained the strength to sing like she had done before, Grandma did use her voice for righteousness. She sang patriotic songs for her country, she sang hymns of comfort at the funerals of friends and family, she sang in city musicals and community functions, she sang at each of her grandchildren's baptisms. Her beautiful voice comforted and uplifted many.

And yes, I think my Grandma would have liked even the outfit -- I don't remember my Grandma Hofman necessarily wearing an outfit comparable to Aretha's, but her hat definitely reminded me of my Grandma's mother (my great-grandma Venna Smart) and the many beautiful hats she wore. She looked classy, and my Grandma was all about being classy!

Grandma Hofman, I love you a bushel and a peck!

i have a funny roommate

You’re All I Need to Get By – Marvin Gaye

This is what happens when you are experiencing exhaustion and insomnia at the same time.

1. Put your iPod or other music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer. The Name of the song is your answer!
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 15 friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got this from.

1.IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Fall Line – Jack Johnson

2.WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake – Mazurka Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

3.WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Look Over Yonder – Jimi Hendrix

4.WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
When Love Comes To Town – U2

5.WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Fingertips - Poe

6.WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Glass and the Ghost Children – Smashing Pumpkins

7.WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
The Fifth Article of Faith – Primary Songs Children’s Songbook

8.WHAT IS 2+2?
Haydn’s Symphony No 99 in E Flat Major Adagio

9.WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Everyday is a Winding Road – Sheryl Crow

10.WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Todo Es Como Tu – Rebelion Andina

11.WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
The Books in the Old Testament – Primary Songs Children’s Songbook

12.WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
I Can’t Stand It No More – Peter Frampton

13.WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Beyond the Horizon – Bob Dylan

14.WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Ridiculous Thoughts – The Cranberries

15.WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Pass the Dutchie – Musical Youth (Wedding Singer Soundtrack)

16.WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
New Kid in Town – The Eagles

17.WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Black – Pete Yorn

18.WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
What’s On My Mind - Kansas

19.WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Refuge - Matisyahu

20.WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Candy Everybody Wants – 10,000 Maniacs

21.HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Memories of Old Santa Fe – Randy Travis

22.WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
What’s Left – Libbie Linton

23.WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
But I Might Die Tonight – Cat Stevens

24.WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Secret Vows - Yanni

25.WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
All Along the Watchtower – Bob Dylan

26.WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
All Roads to the River – Kathy Mattea

27.DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
I Want You – Marvin Gaye

28.IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Singing at the Party – Jack Black (from Nacho Libre)

29.WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
I Wish It Would Rain – The Temptations

30.WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
You’re All I Need to Get By – Marvin Gaye

what I gained from Dr. Seipel's social welfare policy class...

Woman A -- husband runs out on her. She ends up on Welfare.
Woman B -- husband dies. She ends up on Social Security.

The woman on welfare faces horrible stigma and unnecessary baggage (using food stamps to shop, seen as a "welfare queen," having kids so she can get more money, etc. etc...) versus the woman on social security (survivalist benefit, everyone helps her, admires her for her strength, etc. etc.).

Therefore it is better if your husband dies on you versus running out.

So...the MORAL of the STORY for all you women out there is:

"If you are a woman, don't let your husband get away...
kill him before he goes!"

human trafficking – ignorance is NOT bliss

This semester I had the amazing opportunity of taking a class entitled “Global Issues of Children at Risk” from Dr. Jini Roby. If I could make one class required for every student on every university campus in the world it would be this one. (And if every one of those classes could be taught by Dr. Roby, even better!) Dr. Roby's knowledge base is incredible...it includes child welfare, adoption policy and practice, orphan care, human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of children, child soldiers and refugees. One thing that I've come to a greater understanding of (among all of the horrible injustices that are taking place among innocent children in our world, and in our own society, today) is the issue of human trafficking and child sex tourism.

Through the course of this semester, I've gained an increasing desire to do something about it, to figure out my part in all of this. But I've often wondered HOW. I realize that I know so little regarding this subject, compared to someone like Dr. Roby. However, I think that the first thing I have the capacity of doing is letting others know WHAT human trafficking is...sharing what I have learned. I interact with educated individuals everyday -- family members, close friends, neighbors, even strangers. If I had a second wish in regards to this topic, it would be that more of these educated individuals knew WHAT human trafficking was and had some comprehension as to how bad and how prevalent it is in their own United States as well as in the global community.

I was in the same position as many of these educated individuals before taking this class. I would not have been able to adequately describe what human trafficking entailed and how bad it is today. I wouldn't have been able to tell you that an estimated 1.2 million women and girls enter the global commercial sex market every year through human trafficking (with 35% estimated to be under the age of 18). I wouldn't have been able to tell you that $34 billion is spent on human trafficking every year and that it's the third most serious illegal trade after drugs and weapons. I wouldn't have been able to tell you that an estimated 14,500 to 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the United States every year. I wouldn't have been able to tell you that the number of U.S. citizens trafficked WITHIN the country each year is even higher, with an estimated 200,000 American children at risk for trafficking into the sex industry. And the thing is...I'm still learning. And my desire to help others understand is still growing.

I was sitting in my living room, finishing a paper for Dr. Roby’s class, when some neighbors came by. After asking me what I was studying for, and after telling them, they proceeded to ask me questions…like what kinds of issues we studied in this class, etc. When I mentioned “human trafficking” both of these individuals looked at me like “huh?” The dialogue:

neighbor: what is human trafficking?
me: individuals are sold into slavery. modern day slavery.
neighbor: they’re sold?
me: Yes.
neighbor: to do what?
me: to do whatever the traffickers want them to – sex slaves, labor slaves, whatever it may be.
neighbor: hmm. I’ve never heard of that before.
me: you should Google "human trafficking" sometime
neighbor: it sounds depressing
me: well, yeah, it's extremely depressing. but you can choose to ignore it and it won't be depressing and nothing gets done. or, you can choose to acknowledge it and realize how horrible it is, and do something about it...in whatever way that may be.

I realize that we often choose to not educate ourselves on issues like these because they ARE depressing. They do hurt. They are sad. But, where does that get us? I'm afraid it doesn't get us anywhere.

"Ignorance is not bliss; ignorance is impotence; it is fear; it is cruelty; it is all the things that make for unhappiness."

~Ingrid Holtby

check out some some links...I know we are all afraid of our potential and what we can do to help with big issues like these, but the first thing we can do is educate ourselves and then let the opportunities take us from there.

FACTS ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
HUMAN TRAFFICKING.ORG
CHILD SEX TOURISM

it's monday and i'm thankful....with pictures to prove it :)

I'm thankful for the beautiful mountains I get to see every day walking to campus...the same mountains that my Grandpa Brown told my mom to look at when she walked to campus 25 years ago...and the same mountains that Grandpa Brown loved so much.

I'm thankful for the beautiful colors that are still on the trees December 1st!

I'm thankful for my little sister who loves me and meets me for lunch every so often (Peeper, I love you for more than those lunches....you have no need to fret!)

I'm thankful for Dining Plus that gets shared with me when there is an abundance of funds on a little sister's account :)

I'm thankful for the leftover turkey and provolone croissant sandwich from the aforementioned lunch with said Dining Plus card and cute little sister that will sustain me as I make myself comfortable in the library until midnight!


I am THANKFUL :)

i wish i could claim this piece of art as my own...

If anyone wants to know what the highlight of my day was, it was definitely this...



Earlier this year, a friend introduced me to the art of "knit graffiti".... the world's most inoffensive graffiti :)

When coming across this amazing work of knitted-graffiti art on my way to class (location: UTA bus stop at 960 N. University Avenue, Provo UT), I prayed that it would still be there when I returned home from school....I had to take a picture!! Isn't this amazing?! Check out the following links for some more amazing knitted-graffiti photos...

http://deputy-dog.com/2008/11/urban-knitting-worlds-most-inoffensive.html

http://www.houstonpress.com/2005-12-15/news/knitta-please/

the consequences could be deadly...

This has been one of my favorite signs for as long as I can remember...it's just outside of Idaho Falls on a small highway on the way up to our family cabin in Victor, Idaho...gotta love it! (those Idaho natives can be pretty hilarious sights sometimes....gotta love us!!)

nickel and dimed

I read a great book in my Intro to Sociology class during my undergrad titled "Nickel and Dimed: On Not Getting By In America" written by Barbara Ehrenreich. I happened to pick it up today as I have been doing research on the federal minimum wage policy and Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

I appreciated a few of her words:

the Economic Policy Institute recently reviewed dozens of studies of what constituted a “living wage” and came up with an average figure of $30,000 a year for a family of one adult and two children, which amounts to a wage of $14 an hour. This is not the very minimum such a family could live on; the budget includes health insurance, a telephone, and child care at a licensed center, for example, which are well beyond the reach of millions. But it does not include restaurant meals, video rentals, Internet access, wine and liquor, cigarettes and lottery tickets, or even very much meat. The shocking thing is that the majority of American workers, about 60 percent, earn less than $14 an hour. Many of them get by by teaming up with another wage earner, a spouse or grown child. Some draw on government help in the form of food stamps, housing vouchers, the earned income tax credit, or – for those coming off welfare in relatively generous states – subsidized child care. But others – single mothers for example – have nothing but their own wages to live on, no matter how many mouths there are to feed. Employers will look at that $30,000 figure , which is over twice what they currently pay entry-level workers, and see nothing but bankruptcy ahead. Indeed, it is probably impossible for the private sector to provide everyone with an adequate standard of living through wages, or even wages plus benefits alone: too much of what we need, such as reliable child care, is just too expensive, even for middle-class families. Most civilized nations compensate for the inadequacy of wages by providing relatively generous public services such as health insurance, free or subsidized child care, subsidized housing, and effective public transportation. But the United States, for all its wealth, leaves its citizens to fend for themselves – facing market-based rents, for example, on their wages alone. For millions of Americans, that $10 – or even $8 or $6 – hourly wage is all there is.

In her quest to experience working poverty-level wages, and trying to make ends meet, Ehrenreich argued that social inequality is a problem that limits the ability of the lower class to achieve the status of hard-working middle class. Inidividauls are desensitized into believing that America's capitalistic system measures the individual worth of a person in monetary terms.

Ehrenreich explains that people are often moved by the mechanics of society because it appears to be their only option for survival. Lower class individuals are often left to thinking that they lack the social mobility to help them achieve a "new rank." It is harder for them to be seen as such because of the nature of a society that supports the capitalistic value system which always produces winners and losers. Ehrenreich further implies that the social norm too often rears its ugly head at humanity, causing people to forget that they have the potential of changing for the better. Lives continue to be lived with no hope for change because the social inequality does not allow them room to see beyond their current socioeconomic situation.

Poverty, due to social inequality in America has a disabling effect on individuals who are susceptiable to its consequences. I recently heard a professor explain that eleven million preschool age children in the "affluent" United States are malnourished. Similar data can be seen regarding health care, education, and homelessness. Because the distribution of income and wealth in America continues to grow more unequal (often times, consequences of society's self-gratifying materialism) inequality is followed by neglect and suffering of those people of lower socioeconomic status. Because the idea of getting rich is so ingrained in the heads of American citizens, it is almost like we are being turned into a mechanical body of society that so characterized the lower class members whom Ehrenreich worked among. Something that might ease this burden would be to acknowledge the problem and work to change the underlying values of the social system to which we belong through more governmental programs designed to help the lower classes.

On page 214, Ehrenreich states:

It is common, among the nonpoor, to think of poverty as a sustainable condition – austere, perhaps, but they get by somehow, don’t they? They are “always with us.” What is harder for the nonpoor to see is poverty as acute distress: The lunch that consists of Doritos or hot dog rolls, leading to faintness before the end of the shift. The “home” that is also a care or a van. The illness or injury that must be “worked through,” with gritted teeth, because there’s no sick pay or health insurance and ht loss of one day’s pay will mean no groceries for the next. These experiences are not part of a sustainable lifestyle, even a lifestyle of chronic deprivation and relentless low-level punishment. They are, by almost any standard of subsistence, emergency situations. And that is how we should see the poverty of so many millions of low-wage Americans – as a state of emergency.

Jesse L. Jackson Jr. stated: "Our nation has a peculiar work ethic. It insists that people work for a living, which is a valid expectation, but it does not insist that the private and public sectors provide enough jobs at livable wages for everyone who wants to work." Sad, but true.

The poverty of so many millions of our fellow citizens IS in a state of emergency. I believe it is up to us -- those blessed with knowledge, skills, passion, drive, and whatever your talents might be -- to help lift the under-dog and do what is right to help ease the suffering of those who are truly downtrodden.