Wednesday, February 16, 2011
South Africa
One of the students that has traveled with us on several overseas trip is doing a semester abroad - in South Africa. This is our second student to S.A. in a year, so very exciting. To learn more about what she's doing there, check out her BLOG!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Valentine's Day... just for kids?
Just had a friend today tell me that Valentine's Day is really just for kids. I guess she was just trying to make me feel better? I mean... maybe that is what happens. It's the Valentine's Digression. When you're dating, it's overkill, then you get married and it maybe becomes less enthusiastic. Then you have kids and... well, it just goes downhill. I personally have always loved Valentine's Day, but that's because I wish for romance. It's rare around here.
Anyway, the interesting thing about Valentine's Day is that it's not a made up American greeting card holiday, it actually has historical roots. They may be a bit sorted, but there's no doubt that this holiday has some significance, and the love/marriage connection seems important.
Anyway, Happy Valentine's Day! You still have time to do something special for your Valentine.=)
Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Oh, hello blog...
I'm not promising anything, and I can see that I have a LOT of things to restore to this blog (namely by blogroll - where DID you go?). Since I'm taking this semester off, I've been pondering a few posts here and there. It may happen.... we'll see. Lately, not a lot and everything is happening! I guess I need to call on my blog master (Tony) to help me resurrect this old thing.=/
Monday, January 10, 2011
No More Single Digits in Shengrala!
Happy 10th Birthday to Emily... those preteen hormones are just starting to kick in, too!
Emily, full of life and wonder, compassionate and meek,
seeking adventure but cautiously.
She knows what she wants and always has a plan,
she executes it the fastest she can!
We love her smile, her charm and fashion sense,
her sense of humor leaves us in stitches immense.=)
Where has our little princess gone? we often lament...
only glimpses left of her in childlike excitement.
She keeps us smiling with her hysterical replies
that entertain our facebook friends on the sly.
We know that God has big plans for this girl -
we think she might be heading out to serve the world!
Happy Birthday, Emma-lou... mo
mma loves you!!
Emily, full of life and wonder, compassionate and meek,
seeking adventure but cautiously.
She knows what she wants and always has a plan,
she executes it the fastest she can!
We love her smile, her charm and fashion sense,
her sense of humor leaves us in stitches immense.=)
Where has our little princess gone? we often lament...
only glimpses left of her in childlike excitement.
She keeps us smiling with her hysterical replies
that entertain our facebook friends on the sly.
We know that God has big plans for this girl -
we think she might be heading out to serve the world!
Happy Birthday, Emma-lou... mo
mma loves you!!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Our First Teenager!
Happy 13th Birthday, Katie! I can't believe you are a teenager! And what a beautiful, intelligent (most of the time ;-)) and independent young woman you've become. I can still remember when you were two, and I heard that front door open that I had securely locked, and out you went to visit our neighbors just "because you felt like it!" So much of your life since then has had that same intentional flair. You see a door and it must be opened. And you are led not only by curiosity but by a sense of wonder, a desire to learn and an appetite to experience new things.
I pray that your teenage years are marked by spiritual growth with that same sense of wonder, that same desire to learn and an appetite for a relationship with Christ. May you continue to see the good in others, have a heart for the lost and downtrodden and a have a humble heart to serve. Along with that, I hope you never stop teaching me that there is an infinite number of ways to love. It has been an honor, a joy, and pure excitement following you around as your mommy in this life - God has richly blessed me with an amazing daughter.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Effervescent Emily
OK... so I missed her birthday by a day.... but not really! We partied all weekend long.=) With my mom in town for a wedding and Em's 9th birthday, we spent the entire weekend devoted to FUN, which is exactly the kind of thing Emily loves. We first got all prettied up and went to a wedding, something Em's been dying to do for ages! My cousin's son, Jon and his new wife, Laura invited us to celebrate with them and Em enjoyed every minute of it - on the dance floor! Then Sunday, she slept in, had a daddy date at the National Zoo with her animals, then home for a dinner at Bob Evans (thanks, Mom!), presents and birthday cake. It was a full weekend. We could barely roll out of bed this morning.
I chose effervescent because that's the way Em is to our family about 90% of the time... the other 10% is the puppy dog pout! Em is the life in our family, the optimist, the lightheartedness, tenderness, emotional, imaginative, whimsical and goofy 1/4 of us. While at times frustrating for us Type A's, she reminds us each day that there are so many more important things in life than responsibilities (hahaha) and busyness. She's a "stop and smell the roses" kind of kid and I hope that she always remains that way. We would undoubtedly miss many amazing things in life if she hadn't been there to show us!
This past year has been full of challenges for her, but also full of fun! I hope that she never loses sight of the mysticism and mystery of God's creation, the joy she finds in the smaller details and her love of reading and questioning. One last year of single digit life for my baby!! Keep us bubbly!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
One More 'Tween Year for Katie!
Today is Katie's 12th birthday and what a year it's been! We've gone from elementary school head of the class to middle school low woman on the totem pole. While it's been a year of challenges, Katie has learned to look outside of herself and make opportunities. This has not been easy - for her or her family! But we all know God has placed her in a middle school with 6 other kids that she knows for a purpose, and that purpose is for good.
Aside from only wanting three things in life - a laptop, cell phone and a Facebook account - Katie has chosen for this birthday to serve others. Her BFF threw her a surprise party earlier this month and asked the guests to bring non-perishable items for the Salvation Army food kitchen. How many 12 year olds have friends who know their hearts? It was only days later, not knowing what her friends were scheming, that Katie came to us and wanted to host a Charity Water birthday party. Even though that has not happened, she was pleased with the final outcome! Tonight, for her birthday dinner, she will be dining with a friend of ours in DC with National Community Church who organized Wednesday evening meals and Bible study for the homeless. She is very excited to serve in this way!
Each year, I am amazed by the way God uses and develops Katie into someone He can use. It has been a privilege to watch, painful at times but extrememly rewarding. She thrives in our church's middle school program, hosts the sixth grade girls at our house every Tuesday night, has reached out to those who need a friend in a middle school where she doesn't feel like she has any friends and is constantly using her gifts and talents to serve others. Happy Birthday, to my daughter who is even more beautiful inside than she is outside. May God bless your days and may they be many! Love, Mommy.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Dell: Consumer Advocates??
So... T bought me this Dell laptop last year, and I like it, but the buttons on the touchpad are a bit sketch. So sketch that, at less than a year old, the left button (the one you need to use all the time!) is busted. It still works, but it's permanently depressed. I imagine it won't be long before it's non-functional.
I decided to poke around the web to see if anyone else is experiencing a similar problem, and of course, there are a few. Some of these folks had a Dell "Consumer Advocate" reply to their posts and offer to send someone out to fix it. I decided to email one of these advocates with my issue and the response I got was an email reply with the email I sent... no message at all. It's a bit bizarre, but I'll just assume there's no such thing as a Dell Consumer Advocate and be on my merry way. I guess I'll see if Best Buy can help me.?
I also have the noisiest fan ever... I wonder what I should do about that??
I decided to poke around the web to see if anyone else is experiencing a similar problem, and of course, there are a few. Some of these folks had a Dell "Consumer Advocate" reply to their posts and offer to send someone out to fix it. I decided to email one of these advocates with my issue and the response I got was an email reply with the email I sent... no message at all. It's a bit bizarre, but I'll just assume there's no such thing as a Dell Consumer Advocate and be on my merry way. I guess I'll see if Best Buy can help me.?
I also have the noisiest fan ever... I wonder what I should do about that??
Thursday, August 20, 2009
It's addictive - I'll admit it! Found this article this morning - it's hilarious... but they left out one. The Consummate FB Gamer! That's me!=)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Disclaimer
This is my blog and I will say what I want to,
Say what I want to,
Say what I want to,
You may not agree but it's all up to me!
Sorry!
Say what I want to,
Say what I want to,
You may not agree but it's all up to me!
Sorry!
Health Care and America
I've spent a good amount of time working my way through H.R. 3200, enough of my time to know that whatever else I find in there is trumped by what I've already read. It's scary to me - it's not the kind of health care I'm interested in, and honestly, I'm surprised anyone would be.
Sadly, the idiots in Washington have allowed the passing of this bill to be dominated NOT by careful scrutiny of the facts, but instead have incited name-calling among every faction of Americans, taking the focus off of reform and onto.... well, anything they can to make Americans do less analytical decision making using their own brains!! Basically it's come down to:
1) You're a selfish, conservative, rich money-mongering Republican who doesn't care to provide entitlement to the poor.
OR
2) You're a liberal socialist who wants to rob from the rich and have the government provide for you everything that you need.
Seriously, in my opposition to this bill, I've had people tell me that I'm against health care for poor people (not true), that I am just a Sarah Palin fanatic (not true at all), that I don't think my tax dollars are worthy of being used to help those in need (couldn't be farther from the truth!) and that I don't understand government run health care (you got THAT one right, at least!).
First of all, I'd love reform in the health care industry - in fact, we need some regulation, especially of discriminatory practices, such as "pre-existing conditions" clauses. We should be putting limits on malpractice suits that make medical practitioners in turn pass along their medical malpractice insurance costs onto us. We should be issuing federal guidelines on controlling costs and profits on pharmaceutical companies, not enough to stifle innovation of new and useful drugs, but enough so that we can afford medications necessary for life. We should be assisting those in need with our federal tax dollars. We should be overhauling the already existing, imploding and poorly administered government run medical programs already in existance. If this bill addressed these (and I'm sure there are more) issues, I'd be sending nice letters to my congressman.
The fact is that this bill does little, if anything at all, to address most of the issues that we should be addressing, and instead creates a "Health Choices Commission" that scares the pants off me!! Under the guise of creating a public health "option", this commission, the head of which and over half it's members, are "appointed" by whoever is the sitting president, will include ONE doctor and will have control over every tiny detail and aspect of health care for those who "choose" to participate. Not only that, IT will create and administer the government option AND decide who can compete with it. If your private insurance chooses to abide by all it's rules, you can choose that option... with all the new, guaranteed lower prices outlined by the commission. You may not have dual coverage, you cannot have insurance AND government assistance and if you choose not to have medical insurance, you will have to pay a penalty.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that this government option is not your typical medical "insurance" company. It's not for profit because all it's expenses will be paid for by your tax money - whatever it chooses to pay it's commissioners, it's medical suppliers, it's own pharmaceutical company.... no competition, just own it all and charge a price (in a tax that they will not call a tax... that's what it says, anyway!) that you will pay. What is that price? Well.... nobody has bothered to tell us yet!! And those who want this option have maintained that it's worth "any price"..... really?? Well, if you haven't already guessed where I'm going with this, if you allow yourself to think beyond the end of this year, when this bill may pass and be put into practice, it won't be long before the competition can no longer compete, when Americans and the private companies they work for will no longer be able to afford paying for the private insurance coverage of our choice AND for the government run option tax that is not a tax.... and the private insurance industry will collapse. Along with it, millions of jobs will vanish over night. I don't really consider myself an alarmist, but I'm going to sound the alarm here. This is serious... and there's no turning back.
Once we have this "single-payer" system with no competition, then what?? That's what Americans who are "organized mobs" are asking, and the response they are getting is, "I don't answer to a mob." In fact, is anyone in Congress or the White House ever going to be expected to explain exactly what is in this bill???? or is each and every American going to have to actually read it and try to understand it on their own???? I don't hear anyone explaining it, only trying to discredit the critics. We've all been so busy accusing each other of being the unthoughtful crazy ones that we aren't asking real questions and expecting real answers.
I want reform. I don't want it this way. There has to be a better way and we need to let Washington know that we're tired of their temper tantrums when they don't get their way... we want reform and we want an American alternative... not something that we know from history isn't going to work. Along with being the "richest" nation in the world comes the understanding that we didn't get there by letting the government run everything for us - in fact, quite the opposite. We did it by being given the freedom to be creative, to be innovative, to be on the edge... I would hate to see us give up our freedom, creativity and innovation because our elected officials were busy acting like toddlers. For me... this is just infuriating. But I guess you already know that! and this is all I will say on the matter.
Looks like someone else has this on their mind today... sort of.
Sadly, the idiots in Washington have allowed the passing of this bill to be dominated NOT by careful scrutiny of the facts, but instead have incited name-calling among every faction of Americans, taking the focus off of reform and onto.... well, anything they can to make Americans do less analytical decision making using their own brains!! Basically it's come down to:
1) You're a selfish, conservative, rich money-mongering Republican who doesn't care to provide entitlement to the poor.
OR
2) You're a liberal socialist who wants to rob from the rich and have the government provide for you everything that you need.
Seriously, in my opposition to this bill, I've had people tell me that I'm against health care for poor people (not true), that I am just a Sarah Palin fanatic (not true at all), that I don't think my tax dollars are worthy of being used to help those in need (couldn't be farther from the truth!) and that I don't understand government run health care (you got THAT one right, at least!).
First of all, I'd love reform in the health care industry - in fact, we need some regulation, especially of discriminatory practices, such as "pre-existing conditions" clauses. We should be putting limits on malpractice suits that make medical practitioners in turn pass along their medical malpractice insurance costs onto us. We should be issuing federal guidelines on controlling costs and profits on pharmaceutical companies, not enough to stifle innovation of new and useful drugs, but enough so that we can afford medications necessary for life. We should be assisting those in need with our federal tax dollars. We should be overhauling the already existing, imploding and poorly administered government run medical programs already in existance. If this bill addressed these (and I'm sure there are more) issues, I'd be sending nice letters to my congressman.
The fact is that this bill does little, if anything at all, to address most of the issues that we should be addressing, and instead creates a "Health Choices Commission" that scares the pants off me!! Under the guise of creating a public health "option", this commission, the head of which and over half it's members, are "appointed" by whoever is the sitting president, will include ONE doctor and will have control over every tiny detail and aspect of health care for those who "choose" to participate. Not only that, IT will create and administer the government option AND decide who can compete with it. If your private insurance chooses to abide by all it's rules, you can choose that option... with all the new, guaranteed lower prices outlined by the commission. You may not have dual coverage, you cannot have insurance AND government assistance and if you choose not to have medical insurance, you will have to pay a penalty.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that this government option is not your typical medical "insurance" company. It's not for profit because all it's expenses will be paid for by your tax money - whatever it chooses to pay it's commissioners, it's medical suppliers, it's own pharmaceutical company.... no competition, just own it all and charge a price (in a tax that they will not call a tax... that's what it says, anyway!) that you will pay. What is that price? Well.... nobody has bothered to tell us yet!! And those who want this option have maintained that it's worth "any price"..... really?? Well, if you haven't already guessed where I'm going with this, if you allow yourself to think beyond the end of this year, when this bill may pass and be put into practice, it won't be long before the competition can no longer compete, when Americans and the private companies they work for will no longer be able to afford paying for the private insurance coverage of our choice AND for the government run option tax that is not a tax.... and the private insurance industry will collapse. Along with it, millions of jobs will vanish over night. I don't really consider myself an alarmist, but I'm going to sound the alarm here. This is serious... and there's no turning back.
Once we have this "single-payer" system with no competition, then what?? That's what Americans who are "organized mobs" are asking, and the response they are getting is, "I don't answer to a mob." In fact, is anyone in Congress or the White House ever going to be expected to explain exactly what is in this bill???? or is each and every American going to have to actually read it and try to understand it on their own???? I don't hear anyone explaining it, only trying to discredit the critics. We've all been so busy accusing each other of being the unthoughtful crazy ones that we aren't asking real questions and expecting real answers.
I want reform. I don't want it this way. There has to be a better way and we need to let Washington know that we're tired of their temper tantrums when they don't get their way... we want reform and we want an American alternative... not something that we know from history isn't going to work. Along with being the "richest" nation in the world comes the understanding that we didn't get there by letting the government run everything for us - in fact, quite the opposite. We did it by being given the freedom to be creative, to be innovative, to be on the edge... I would hate to see us give up our freedom, creativity and innovation because our elected officials were busy acting like toddlers. For me... this is just infuriating. But I guess you already know that! and this is all I will say on the matter.
Looks like someone else has this on their mind today... sort of.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Half Way There!
I'm just about half way to 40 and remembering my list in January of things I wanted to do in this year. I figure I might as well see how that's going, even though I'm feeling right now like there are many things on there that will remain in a dream state. For a very long time!
1. Go on a cruise. This is looking more and more likely that it'll be without T. I gave him 15 years to try it..
Yeah... this one is most likely not going to happen. Forget about going with T.
2. Take at least one graduate class. I've been dragging my feet on this one - I just don't know yet what I want to be when I grow up!
I'm all signed up for this one... now I just have to survive it!
3. Fly somewhere on whim. Is this even possible when you're married with kids? Can you just wake up and say, "I want to go to Australia!" and get up and go?? I'm not sure, but I'm putting it on my list.
Nope. It's a pipe dream.
4. Do one of each of these things daily: devotions, exercise, love on my family and learn something new. Not sure it's possible, but I think I need to try.
Not sure about this one, but it does run through my head.
5. Read more than one book this year - last year was pitiful. I need to read more!
LOTS of reading this year. I've enjoyed it.
6. Visit the mouse. I haven't been anywhere near Disney anything in almost 2 years. It's a little sad because it is truly one of my favorite places.
Nope. There were talks of this happening, but I'm not holding my breath.
7. Become more fiscally conscious. When we got married, I begrudgingly gave up control of any money because T really wanted the reins. I'm at a point now where, if anything happened to him I'd be lost! I need to be a little more involved. I might even use my ATM card... if I can find it!
I've asked for an ATM card, but my request has been denied.
8. Make all those doctor's appointments I dread and actually go to them. Trust me - I go enough, so the thought of adding any more is just dreadful, but I need to.
Still on my list. Happily, the ones I've had have gone well!
9. Scrapbooking - I'm so far behind, it's just overwhelming. I need a plan, I need printed pictures and I need to get this done!!
Still not happening. I think it's a mental block at this point.
10. I want to visit at least 5 new places (preferably warm beaches!) this year. That shouldn't be too hard, except that sometimes I feel marooned on this island. Get me out of here!!!
I'm pretty sure I have not visited one new place this year, even on our trip to the Grand Canyon. And no beaches. I think I'm the only one in this family who likes the beach. I'm in escape mode more than ever right now. Everyone else is hunkered down. It's a little frustrating.
It's almost 90 degrees outside, and I have a bunch of plants out back waiting to be put around the perimeter of our new patio. There are things going on here that never made it on my list - the patio being one of them!! This is why a few things will remain in a dream state until the budget recovers. The other is our basement, which is nearly finished. I can't complain! Sorry, Mickey!
1. Go on a cruise. This is looking more and more likely that it'll be without T. I gave him 15 years to try it..
Yeah... this one is most likely not going to happen. Forget about going with T.
2. Take at least one graduate class. I've been dragging my feet on this one - I just don't know yet what I want to be when I grow up!
I'm all signed up for this one... now I just have to survive it!
3. Fly somewhere on whim. Is this even possible when you're married with kids? Can you just wake up and say, "I want to go to Australia!" and get up and go?? I'm not sure, but I'm putting it on my list.
Nope. It's a pipe dream.
4. Do one of each of these things daily: devotions, exercise, love on my family and learn something new. Not sure it's possible, but I think I need to try.
Not sure about this one, but it does run through my head.
5. Read more than one book this year - last year was pitiful. I need to read more!
LOTS of reading this year. I've enjoyed it.
6. Visit the mouse. I haven't been anywhere near Disney anything in almost 2 years. It's a little sad because it is truly one of my favorite places.
Nope. There were talks of this happening, but I'm not holding my breath.
7. Become more fiscally conscious. When we got married, I begrudgingly gave up control of any money because T really wanted the reins. I'm at a point now where, if anything happened to him I'd be lost! I need to be a little more involved. I might even use my ATM card... if I can find it!
I've asked for an ATM card, but my request has been denied.
8. Make all those doctor's appointments I dread and actually go to them. Trust me - I go enough, so the thought of adding any more is just dreadful, but I need to.
Still on my list. Happily, the ones I've had have gone well!
9. Scrapbooking - I'm so far behind, it's just overwhelming. I need a plan, I need printed pictures and I need to get this done!!
Still not happening. I think it's a mental block at this point.
10. I want to visit at least 5 new places (preferably warm beaches!) this year. That shouldn't be too hard, except that sometimes I feel marooned on this island. Get me out of here!!!
I'm pretty sure I have not visited one new place this year, even on our trip to the Grand Canyon. And no beaches. I think I'm the only one in this family who likes the beach. I'm in escape mode more than ever right now. Everyone else is hunkered down. It's a little frustrating.
It's almost 90 degrees outside, and I have a bunch of plants out back waiting to be put around the perimeter of our new patio. There are things going on here that never made it on my list - the patio being one of them!! This is why a few things will remain in a dream state until the budget recovers. The other is our basement, which is nearly finished. I can't complain! Sorry, Mickey!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Invisible
I like this article, because most of the time these days I feel invisible, or like people think I'm blind, deaf and mute. Or maybe they just wish I was! I'm pretty overwhelmed these days with school starting, job starting, grad. school starting... finishing up the basement, landscaping the patio, trying to entertain my children.... most of the time, I just feel like I need help. It's kind of lonely. So... I do relate to this article, in many, many ways!
Hope everyone had a great summer!
Hope everyone had a great summer!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Fresh Chicken
My friend, Bonnie, is raising some chickens on her land. Read more about this adventure here!
Saturday, May 09, 2009
The Choice
If I had one, I'd choose the Irishman who loves Americanism over the world leader who thinks everything in America needs to change any day of the week. Bono, you rock!
Friday, May 08, 2009
Lipitor
Well, I have only one more thing to say about this drug - it works for me! My total cholesterol went from 235 to 145 in three months. Liver enzymes are also now normal. I think this was the right move for a woman whose grandmother died of a massive heart attack at the age of 46. I'm glad I didn't wait any longer!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Mr. President....
I don't watch the press propaganda conferences on TV, nor have I ever been one to watch speeches. It has little to do with how I feel about a president, seeing as I never watched Bush, Clinton, Bush or Obama - they just aren't my thing. I would much rather read about them when they are all over!
This week, the news was all about the "enchanted" White House question, so I did see that little blurb, and I must say, that was just a dumb question!! And it started me thinking... what would I ask if I had a turn? I'm not a press corp person, not a reporter, not even a White House official. I'm just your average part-time worker, stay-at-home mom who seriously thinks we are heading in the wrong direction on many issues. What would I ask?
1. Mr. President, do you think there is a way to improve our education system without just adding days to the year? or paying teachers based on their student's test scores? I'm not sure those two agenda items will cover the deficit you say we have.
2. Mr. President, at what point will you own the decisions you've made instead of blaming all your problems on Bush and the country you begged us to let you run?
3. Mr. President, can you please explain how we are going to gather intelligence in your future, where you see no War on Terror, or terror at all, for that matter? And how will we train our soldiers (and civilians) to endure the tactics that will be used on them, regardless of your decision to never again use anything but the Army Field Guide to gather "useful" information?
4. Mr. President, will you promise to prosecute ALL those responsible, including Nancy Pelosi, for signing off on our torturous intelligence gathering techniques, including waterboarding, cups of water in the face and caterpillars?
5. Mr. President, when will you and Mrs. Clinton stop apologizing for the "behavior" of the United States of America? And does this bad behavior include the billions of dollars in relief we have given to countries in Africa and Asia?
6. Mr. President, do you really and truly believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, just the same as Miss California? or are you scared of Perez Hilton?
7. Mr. President, how long will you continue your Wednesday night social gatherings that are costing taxpayers millions of dollars while people continue to lose their jobs daily?
8. Mr. President, is there any other solution to your proposed socialist model of health care, seeing as it's a system that will not only bankrupt our nation, but provide only nominal care? You know that's what will happen - just admit it!
9. Mr. President, what do you really think about the United States of America? I understand that nobody has ever asked you how you really feel, and I'm starting to think you don't like anything about it!
10. Mr. President, when you took our money to bail out car companies so that they would not go bankrupt, did you think that it would be OK if they really did go bankrupt?
11. Mr. President, how do you suppose my children will pay off your debt?
12. Mr. President, why have you spent $800,000 trying to thwart off questions about your "natural born citizen" status instead of just allowing the release of your official Hawaii birth certificate, complete with the hospital name, doctor who delivered you and the time of your birth? You could not even get a Maryland driver's license with the thing on your website!
13. Mr. President, please tell us... where is the transparency you promised us? and why do you have a tax cheat taking our tax money?
14. Mr. President, are you enchanted by the press corp who go so soft on you that we are thinking they are more out of touch with Main Street, USA than you are?
I'm pretty sure he wouldn't get past question #1, so no point in continuing. If only the press conferences were for real people!
This week, the news was all about the "enchanted" White House question, so I did see that little blurb, and I must say, that was just a dumb question!! And it started me thinking... what would I ask if I had a turn? I'm not a press corp person, not a reporter, not even a White House official. I'm just your average part-time worker, stay-at-home mom who seriously thinks we are heading in the wrong direction on many issues. What would I ask?
1. Mr. President, do you think there is a way to improve our education system without just adding days to the year? or paying teachers based on their student's test scores? I'm not sure those two agenda items will cover the deficit you say we have.
2. Mr. President, at what point will you own the decisions you've made instead of blaming all your problems on Bush and the country you begged us to let you run?
3. Mr. President, can you please explain how we are going to gather intelligence in your future, where you see no War on Terror, or terror at all, for that matter? And how will we train our soldiers (and civilians) to endure the tactics that will be used on them, regardless of your decision to never again use anything but the Army Field Guide to gather "useful" information?
4. Mr. President, will you promise to prosecute ALL those responsible, including Nancy Pelosi, for signing off on our torturous intelligence gathering techniques, including waterboarding, cups of water in the face and caterpillars?
5. Mr. President, when will you and Mrs. Clinton stop apologizing for the "behavior" of the United States of America? And does this bad behavior include the billions of dollars in relief we have given to countries in Africa and Asia?
6. Mr. President, do you really and truly believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, just the same as Miss California? or are you scared of Perez Hilton?
7. Mr. President, how long will you continue your Wednesday night social gatherings that are costing taxpayers millions of dollars while people continue to lose their jobs daily?
8. Mr. President, is there any other solution to your proposed socialist model of health care, seeing as it's a system that will not only bankrupt our nation, but provide only nominal care? You know that's what will happen - just admit it!
9. Mr. President, what do you really think about the United States of America? I understand that nobody has ever asked you how you really feel, and I'm starting to think you don't like anything about it!
10. Mr. President, when you took our money to bail out car companies so that they would not go bankrupt, did you think that it would be OK if they really did go bankrupt?
11. Mr. President, how do you suppose my children will pay off your debt?
12. Mr. President, why have you spent $800,000 trying to thwart off questions about your "natural born citizen" status instead of just allowing the release of your official Hawaii birth certificate, complete with the hospital name, doctor who delivered you and the time of your birth? You could not even get a Maryland driver's license with the thing on your website!
13. Mr. President, please tell us... where is the transparency you promised us? and why do you have a tax cheat taking our tax money?
14. Mr. President, are you enchanted by the press corp who go so soft on you that we are thinking they are more out of touch with Main Street, USA than you are?
I'm pretty sure he wouldn't get past question #1, so no point in continuing. If only the press conferences were for real people!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Stupid Flyover
For anyone who thinks that, years later, the 9/11 scars for New Yorkers are healed, think again! As with any traumatic event, the scars are not so toughened over. Especially for those who have chosen to continue living and working on the outskirts of 9/11. I am appalled that the Obama Administration is insensitive enough to think that just because they choose to forget, that others have as well. While they continue to ignore the very real possibility that another 9/11 is possible, there are millions in the New York area who will never be able to erase the horrific events of that day. For an administration that would love to make 9/11 go away, they certainly have a unique way of going about that!
Last summer, we met a family while visiting my mom who had a house in Fairfield that was their summer country beach home. They were New Yorkers with a beautiful place just blocks from the World Trade Center. They were there that morning and would only tell us that it was unbelievable. They were quick to tell us that they never talk about it because the memory is too fresh, too unbearable to speak about. In the short time that we sat with them, I got the sense that these were people who intentionally chose New York as a home for the realistic view it gave their children of the world we live in, a couple who would, in a heartbeat, move back if they felt their family could trust that place again. She a Norwegian former model, he a record producer, not unfamiliar with working hard to accomplish life's goals. Clearly, 9/11's impact on their family will not soon be forgotten.
We should be careful not to shrug off the wounds that were opened by yesterday's stunt. It's a haunting reminder that we live in an unpredictable world during an unpredictable time when the most unexpected things, like your own government scaring the heebie jeebie's out of you, can happen. Way to go, O!
Last summer, we met a family while visiting my mom who had a house in Fairfield that was their summer country beach home. They were New Yorkers with a beautiful place just blocks from the World Trade Center. They were there that morning and would only tell us that it was unbelievable. They were quick to tell us that they never talk about it because the memory is too fresh, too unbearable to speak about. In the short time that we sat with them, I got the sense that these were people who intentionally chose New York as a home for the realistic view it gave their children of the world we live in, a couple who would, in a heartbeat, move back if they felt their family could trust that place again. She a Norwegian former model, he a record producer, not unfamiliar with working hard to accomplish life's goals. Clearly, 9/11's impact on their family will not soon be forgotten.
We should be careful not to shrug off the wounds that were opened by yesterday's stunt. It's a haunting reminder that we live in an unpredictable world during an unpredictable time when the most unexpected things, like your own government scaring the heebie jeebie's out of you, can happen. Way to go, O!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Vampires and Souls
Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed a vampire saga could engross me the way the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer did this past week. I literally could not put the books down... it too me one week to read the 4.5 gargantuan books. While they are not exactly for the faint of heart, they present an overwhelming number of themes, wonderful character development, spiritual undertones and a great storyline to boot! I was completely drawn in, and agree that the movie did not do the book justice. Some interesting things I've been pondering/processing while reading them....
The idea of losing one's soul is a common thread throughout each of the books. Obviously, in the world of vampires and werewolves this is already a bizarre theme, but it still brings up questions about the journey of the soul in alignment with the conscious choices between good and evil in respect to your "lot in life", so to speak. Intriguing!
T called me from Catalyst West to share a few thought provoking ideas, such as the suggestion by Deb and Alan Hirsch that the nuclear family is the idol of ... the Western World? (I actually can't remember if it was the western world or the evangelical church???) Anyway, I was curious about that idea and am looking forward to reading more about it in their new book... but that idea combined with this vampire stuff got me thinking.... is "human nature" also an idol for Christians? Can we not fathom life beyond earth, or eternal life, enough not to covet our life on earth? Just a thought. It's a theme that is integral to the entire series I read, as Bella appears to be the first "mortal" who will willingly choose to become "immortal"... and for love.
Also, I had to chuckle throughout the books at the amazingly adept character and group mentality development this author wove throughout the saga. I was already seeing the potential for T to be personality typing each character, guessing their strengths and analyzing how well they worked as a team. A bit of fun for those types out there!
Finally, there is a bit of a redemptive theme as well involving the character patriarch of the "good" vampires, Carlisle. The son of a minister, who hunted down evil vampires until he was struck down by and transformed into one... (Paul...?) He then spends hundreds of years perfecting the very compassionate practice of being a "vegetarian" vampire, feasting only on animals, not humans. He is by far the most compassionate and gentle of the family, always erring on the moral high road in all vampiric affairs (LOL).
There are so many other subplots and themes throughout this book, it would be impossible to share each of them. I can only say that for me, it was well worth the read. While I would love for there to be more to the story (given their immortality, ingeniously this saga could continue forever!), I'm not sure my feeble little mind can absorb much more for now. I would highly recommend this whole series for anyone who has a week where they can devote hours of time to reading. =) Such as, a week where your husbands decides to go to LA for a conference! (perfect timing!) Enjoy!
The idea of losing one's soul is a common thread throughout each of the books. Obviously, in the world of vampires and werewolves this is already a bizarre theme, but it still brings up questions about the journey of the soul in alignment with the conscious choices between good and evil in respect to your "lot in life", so to speak. Intriguing!
T called me from Catalyst West to share a few thought provoking ideas, such as the suggestion by Deb and Alan Hirsch that the nuclear family is the idol of ... the Western World? (I actually can't remember if it was the western world or the evangelical church???) Anyway, I was curious about that idea and am looking forward to reading more about it in their new book... but that idea combined with this vampire stuff got me thinking.... is "human nature" also an idol for Christians? Can we not fathom life beyond earth, or eternal life, enough not to covet our life on earth? Just a thought. It's a theme that is integral to the entire series I read, as Bella appears to be the first "mortal" who will willingly choose to become "immortal"... and for love.
Also, I had to chuckle throughout the books at the amazingly adept character and group mentality development this author wove throughout the saga. I was already seeing the potential for T to be personality typing each character, guessing their strengths and analyzing how well they worked as a team. A bit of fun for those types out there!
Finally, there is a bit of a redemptive theme as well involving the character patriarch of the "good" vampires, Carlisle. The son of a minister, who hunted down evil vampires until he was struck down by and transformed into one... (Paul...?) He then spends hundreds of years perfecting the very compassionate practice of being a "vegetarian" vampire, feasting only on animals, not humans. He is by far the most compassionate and gentle of the family, always erring on the moral high road in all vampiric affairs (LOL).
There are so many other subplots and themes throughout this book, it would be impossible to share each of them. I can only say that for me, it was well worth the read. While I would love for there to be more to the story (given their immortality, ingeniously this saga could continue forever!), I'm not sure my feeble little mind can absorb much more for now. I would highly recommend this whole series for anyone who has a week where they can devote hours of time to reading. =) Such as, a week where your husbands decides to go to LA for a conference! (perfect timing!) Enjoy!
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