Sorry all. I haven't had much time what with packing for zoni land, kids finishing up their finals,
snow, baking, and just preparing for the holidays.
My work schedule has changed. I have to be in before 7 a.m. now. And with the weather the way it has been, well, it makes me tired.
I will post more when things calm down. I am due to leave for sunland the day before Christmas.
Hubby ships off on Friday so maybe this weekend, I will have some quiet time.
Yes, Reamus, I will post about Aitkin.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Teagan
My daughter is 23 today. She is the midget in the family but wonderful things come in small packages. She is no exception. With her nordic blond hair and blue eyes, she is a petite spriteful child.
She seems to flow through life easily, and lessons learned are taken firmly and fixed. She has friends that have been her other family for years and they are such a tight knit group. I am glad for that. We all need people that are known and have shared experiences with us. In this case, I am glad I do not know all the "experiences" though.
She is pretty tough considering that her infancy was so difficult. She has had so many close calls that I consider her my miracle child. For all that trouble she is 23 years old!!!
She is so like her father in mannerisms. That same calm character and reliability. If she says she will do something, she always does. She also has this other worldly ability to look beyond to things I can not always see.
I watch her cut her father's hair sometimes. He so enjoys that short quiet time they have together. I can only hope she realizes how much we love her. Regardless of what she does, or where she goes, she is a home body and will, I think never go too far.
I have this need to touch people I love. Sometimes I brush my hand on her hair or briefly
sweep my fingers on that pure clear skinned cheek. This is the same child that I held in my arms for so long, and sometimes my arms are lonely for that closeness. She will forever be my 'heart baby' and my arms and my life are always open to her.
Teagan, you were my first child. You are the smartest and most beautiful young woman I know.
Papa and I adore you.
Happy Birthday LaLa!
She seems to flow through life easily, and lessons learned are taken firmly and fixed. She has friends that have been her other family for years and they are such a tight knit group. I am glad for that. We all need people that are known and have shared experiences with us. In this case, I am glad I do not know all the "experiences" though.
She is pretty tough considering that her infancy was so difficult. She has had so many close calls that I consider her my miracle child. For all that trouble she is 23 years old!!!
She is so like her father in mannerisms. That same calm character and reliability. If she says she will do something, she always does. She also has this other worldly ability to look beyond to things I can not always see.
I watch her cut her father's hair sometimes. He so enjoys that short quiet time they have together. I can only hope she realizes how much we love her. Regardless of what she does, or where she goes, she is a home body and will, I think never go too far.
I have this need to touch people I love. Sometimes I brush my hand on her hair or briefly
sweep my fingers on that pure clear skinned cheek. This is the same child that I held in my arms for so long, and sometimes my arms are lonely for that closeness. She will forever be my 'heart baby' and my arms and my life are always open to her.
Teagan, you were my first child. You are the smartest and most beautiful young woman I know.
Papa and I adore you.
Happy Birthday LaLa!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Cough Syrup is not the Elixar of the gods
I have a rotten cold. Have no idea where it came from since most people I know seem pretty healthy.
I have to go to work early today. My head is filled with cotton balls, my eyes water, and I keep sneezing like there is no tomorrow. All I want to do is crawl back into bed and sleep for a couple days.
At least I only have to work until 12:30. I will write something about the Aitkin Fish House Parade tomorrow or Thursday or when ever I feel better. (sneeze)
I have to go to work early today. My head is filled with cotton balls, my eyes water, and I keep sneezing like there is no tomorrow. All I want to do is crawl back into bed and sleep for a couple days.
At least I only have to work until 12:30. I will write something about the Aitkin Fish House Parade tomorrow or Thursday or when ever I feel better. (sneeze)
Friday, November 14, 2008
Its cold outside but I am feeling fine
I don't get cold often any more. After my surgery in January, well, I get little bursts of roasting heat that leave me half melted. But enough of woman stuff.
I saw a flock of trumpeter swans yesterday morning. I don't see them very often so it was lovely.
I enjoy seeing things like that and I never take those special glimpses for granted.
We are going up north this weekend. It will be cold but we have our little woodstove and the electric blanket. It probably will be the last time we stay over until spring. I hate leaving the cabin all winter, but until we get it finished we couldn't stay warm through the winter.
I think I could stay there forever. Taking walks along the road and running into cousins doing the same. Agate picking (thats what we call it), looking out over the field and seeing a glimpse of Hickory Lake. I will miss the fishing. Phil and I would go out on Saturday mornings and watch the world wake up. Spirit is a lovely lake to be on early in the morning. I never really cared if we caught anything, it was just sharing quiet moments with each other.
We get more content as we age. I hope that happens for most married couples that stick it out.
We are not spring chickens anymore. There are wrinkles and droops, aches in joints and vision that is changing. But my husband will always be handsome and young in my eyes. I think that is what love really is. Going through life, the good parts and the bad parts, and learning to lean on each other. The trust that comes with long aquaintance.
Its cold outside, but here in our little home, it is always warm. And I am feeling fine.
I saw a flock of trumpeter swans yesterday morning. I don't see them very often so it was lovely.
I enjoy seeing things like that and I never take those special glimpses for granted.
We are going up north this weekend. It will be cold but we have our little woodstove and the electric blanket. It probably will be the last time we stay over until spring. I hate leaving the cabin all winter, but until we get it finished we couldn't stay warm through the winter.
I think I could stay there forever. Taking walks along the road and running into cousins doing the same. Agate picking (thats what we call it), looking out over the field and seeing a glimpse of Hickory Lake. I will miss the fishing. Phil and I would go out on Saturday mornings and watch the world wake up. Spirit is a lovely lake to be on early in the morning. I never really cared if we caught anything, it was just sharing quiet moments with each other.
We get more content as we age. I hope that happens for most married couples that stick it out.
We are not spring chickens anymore. There are wrinkles and droops, aches in joints and vision that is changing. But my husband will always be handsome and young in my eyes. I think that is what love really is. Going through life, the good parts and the bad parts, and learning to lean on each other. The trust that comes with long aquaintance.
Its cold outside, but here in our little home, it is always warm. And I am feeling fine.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
New beginnings
It is my youngest child's birthday today. Happy 21st Sam!
I am excited because he has reached another milestone in his life. His birth, being totally potty
trained, his reach to 6'5' & 1/2, his meeting and moving in with his darling girlfriend, these are
all pretty big steps. Maybe they don't have as much significance to him, but they do with me.
A friend of mine that met my children when Sam was three said "he can't grow up, he is only supposed to be three years old!" And sometimes I feel that way too. But he is truly an adult now, with all the responsibilities and the fun of being 21. I am so proud of him.
Sometimes when he is not watching and unaware, I still see my "pootie" at three. The baby he was is still there if you look close enough.
We had a little tiff last night. He tends to be blunt and to the point (which is not wrong), and I sometimes am too sensitive. But he hugged me and it was almost like hugging his father. I could hear his heart beat slow and steady and I hope that his girlfriend finds the safety there that I have found in his father's arms.
These two men in my life make my life. As does my daughter.
Sam
Congratulations! I think you are wonderful and have become a man that any mother would be proud of. And your mother is so damned proud of you. Not just today, but everyday.
I am excited because he has reached another milestone in his life. His birth, being totally potty
trained, his reach to 6'5' & 1/2, his meeting and moving in with his darling girlfriend, these are
all pretty big steps. Maybe they don't have as much significance to him, but they do with me.
A friend of mine that met my children when Sam was three said "he can't grow up, he is only supposed to be three years old!" And sometimes I feel that way too. But he is truly an adult now, with all the responsibilities and the fun of being 21. I am so proud of him.
Sometimes when he is not watching and unaware, I still see my "pootie" at three. The baby he was is still there if you look close enough.
We had a little tiff last night. He tends to be blunt and to the point (which is not wrong), and I sometimes am too sensitive. But he hugged me and it was almost like hugging his father. I could hear his heart beat slow and steady and I hope that his girlfriend finds the safety there that I have found in his father's arms.
These two men in my life make my life. As does my daughter.
Sam
Congratulations! I think you are wonderful and have become a man that any mother would be proud of. And your mother is so damned proud of you. Not just today, but everyday.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Friday and we don't have to eat just fish anymore
Random thoughts.
I have always been semi religious. More spiritual if you will. I don't go to church often, and I don't believe in much of what Christianity teaches. I think we are either good, or we are bad, or we can be both. I have a much more religious experience finding Orion, or seeing wildlife than I do sitting in a man made building pretending it is God's house.
It has been frightening for me to see the religious right wing try to force religion into everything in this country. I am tired of people professing how religious they are when I see them doing wrong things.
Many people that are religious have this concept that because they have accepted Jesus as their savior, they can do anything they want because they have been "saved". How can you profess to be a good clean christian and then sleep with your boyfriend, or steal something, or use your religion as an excuse to do wrong things? Yes, we are all worthy of redemption, however, the attitude at some of the Palin rallies by supposed Christians was horrible. Racism, threats, etc are not Christianity. They are some warped concept that only that sort of Christianity is the right one.
Please, don't tell me you are a Christian unless you practice good Christian values. Don't tell me you are a christian and yell threats and hate speech. Don't tell me you are a good Christian when you insert yourself into my or others private lives to insist they do as YOU tell them to do.
I will take a non Christian friend over you any day.
And remember: I don't teach math in your church. don't bring your religion into my schools or work place.
Thank you
I have always been semi religious. More spiritual if you will. I don't go to church often, and I don't believe in much of what Christianity teaches. I think we are either good, or we are bad, or we can be both. I have a much more religious experience finding Orion, or seeing wildlife than I do sitting in a man made building pretending it is God's house.
It has been frightening for me to see the religious right wing try to force religion into everything in this country. I am tired of people professing how religious they are when I see them doing wrong things.
Many people that are religious have this concept that because they have accepted Jesus as their savior, they can do anything they want because they have been "saved". How can you profess to be a good clean christian and then sleep with your boyfriend, or steal something, or use your religion as an excuse to do wrong things? Yes, we are all worthy of redemption, however, the attitude at some of the Palin rallies by supposed Christians was horrible. Racism, threats, etc are not Christianity. They are some warped concept that only that sort of Christianity is the right one.
Please, don't tell me you are a Christian unless you practice good Christian values. Don't tell me you are a christian and yell threats and hate speech. Don't tell me you are a good Christian when you insert yourself into my or others private lives to insist they do as YOU tell them to do.
I will take a non Christian friend over you any day.
And remember: I don't teach math in your church. don't bring your religion into my schools or work place.
Thank you
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The morning after
Its been quite a roller coaster ride over the past months. This morning I feel calmer and think the world is a better place.
We spent the evening with my husband's boss and wife. Great people, they invited us to share the election results. Laura (Chip's wife) and I were fevered every time a new stat would come in.
I think we were both stunned when Obama won. One of those "pinch myself so I know I am awake" moments.
But we did it! And now the hard part comes. Because we each have to do what ever we can to change this country we live in. We can't leave it up to Obama, WE have to work hard too.
We have to roll up our sleeves, tighten our belts, go out on the street in our towns and cities, in the country and everywhere. We have to work to make this new world better.
Go tell it on the Mountain. Obama is not a god, he is a man who has given us hope of a better place.
We spent the evening with my husband's boss and wife. Great people, they invited us to share the election results. Laura (Chip's wife) and I were fevered every time a new stat would come in.
I think we were both stunned when Obama won. One of those "pinch myself so I know I am awake" moments.
But we did it! And now the hard part comes. Because we each have to do what ever we can to change this country we live in. We can't leave it up to Obama, WE have to work hard too.
We have to roll up our sleeves, tighten our belts, go out on the street in our towns and cities, in the country and everywhere. We have to work to make this new world better.
Go tell it on the Mountain. Obama is not a god, he is a man who has given us hope of a better place.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Is this crazy or what???
This is Michelle Bachmann
At a debate with El Tinklenberg earlier this month, she claimed immigrants are “bringing in disease and violence and every sort of difficulty” to this country.
In September 2008, Bachmann blamed the financial crisis on a federal program that awarded home mortgage loans "on the basis of race and often on little else."
In February 2007, Bachmann told a newspaper that Iran had an agreement to take over half of Iraq, that a name had been chosen for that part of the region and that it would be used as a training ground for terrorists.
In March 2004, Bachmann said on the radio that failure to pass her Defense of Marriage Amendment in the Minnesota Senate would cause the gay community to start “specifically targeting our children.”
In a March, 2008 meeting she said "The big thing we are working on now is the global warming hoax. It's all voodoo, nonsense, hokum, a hoax,"
This is NOT what we need for Minnesota. Please donate to Tinklenberg's campaign even if you don't live here!!!!
At a debate with El Tinklenberg earlier this month, she claimed immigrants are “bringing in disease and violence and every sort of difficulty” to this country.
In September 2008, Bachmann blamed the financial crisis on a federal program that awarded home mortgage loans "on the basis of race and often on little else."
In February 2007, Bachmann told a newspaper that Iran had an agreement to take over half of Iraq, that a name had been chosen for that part of the region and that it would be used as a training ground for terrorists.
In March 2004, Bachmann said on the radio that failure to pass her Defense of Marriage Amendment in the Minnesota Senate would cause the gay community to start “specifically targeting our children.”
In a March, 2008 meeting she said "The big thing we are working on now is the global warming hoax. It's all voodoo, nonsense, hokum, a hoax,"
This is NOT what we need for Minnesota. Please donate to Tinklenberg's campaign even if you don't live here!!!!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Conservative values
I read in the paper that a woman, talking about being a republican, said that she wanted our
country to return to "conservative values". I don't know what this means. Is she talking about religion? If so, the only conservative values religions I can think of are the Puritans and the Taliban. I do not think these are healthy examples of "conservative values".
Is she talking about fiscal responsibility? Hmmm I think the Republicans in the current administration have blown that one. We are further in debt now than we were when we had a "liberal" president. And yes, fiscal conservatism is important in our lives. We can't keep spending our "personal" income on material things that don't matter. But, wasn't it President Bush who told us after 9/11 to go out and spend spend spend? They even gave us some money to do that last year. I can just see the clerks at Walmart ringing up the purchases.
Is this woman talking about abortion and same sex marriage? Well, I think I have given my thoughts on abortion so I wont go there again. But same sex marriage. This is the same old issue. Some years ago, it was illegal to marry someone of a different race. Stupid and racist, the point was moot and went by the wayside. Now, the same battle is being fought against same sex marriage. Who's business is it? It is between the two people it involves. McCain talks about government staying out of peoples lives but this seems to be to be inserting yourselves to a very high degree.
Conservative values. This is just another term for forcing your religious beliefs on other people.
That is the problem I have with religion. Thinking you are the only one with a direct line to God and that what you believe should be forced down other peoples throats for their own good.
Bah!
country to return to "conservative values". I don't know what this means. Is she talking about religion? If so, the only conservative values religions I can think of are the Puritans and the Taliban. I do not think these are healthy examples of "conservative values".
Is she talking about fiscal responsibility? Hmmm I think the Republicans in the current administration have blown that one. We are further in debt now than we were when we had a "liberal" president. And yes, fiscal conservatism is important in our lives. We can't keep spending our "personal" income on material things that don't matter. But, wasn't it President Bush who told us after 9/11 to go out and spend spend spend? They even gave us some money to do that last year. I can just see the clerks at Walmart ringing up the purchases.
Is this woman talking about abortion and same sex marriage? Well, I think I have given my thoughts on abortion so I wont go there again. But same sex marriage. This is the same old issue. Some years ago, it was illegal to marry someone of a different race. Stupid and racist, the point was moot and went by the wayside. Now, the same battle is being fought against same sex marriage. Who's business is it? It is between the two people it involves. McCain talks about government staying out of peoples lives but this seems to be to be inserting yourselves to a very high degree.
Conservative values. This is just another term for forcing your religious beliefs on other people.
That is the problem I have with religion. Thinking you are the only one with a direct line to God and that what you believe should be forced down other peoples throats for their own good.
Bah!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Something Stinks
I have been watching the situation with Michelle Bachmann. I am appalled. I can not understand why someone would think that just because of opposing opinion, someone is anti-American. From what I hear, if you lean to the left, Michelle thinks you are anti-American.
I vote. I pay taxes and make my house payment on time. I have not committed any crimes (at least legal crimes), and I have only gotten one speeding ticket in my life.
I believe that people go into politics for two reasons: Power, and a genuine desire to help humanity. I suspect Bachmann of the first reason. An attempt to push forward her religious agenda.
I do not believe that all Republicans are wacked out Christians, nor do I believe that all Democrats are intelligent and open minded.
I am not a politician. I do not go about accusing people of the opposing side of not being American enough.
We have enough problems going on without turning things into witch hunts. Accusations like Bachmann's only divide us, not bring us together. Remember, the main point in this whole sordid business is that we are all together in this. To push for a further separation between political ideals is incitement. And it has no place in turning this difficult business into something
better and healthier.
So please, Michelle, stop and think about what you are doing. You are not building bridges, you are trying to create a bigger divide. We all need to stand together and this is not the way to bring that about. It only makes you look like a nut job, not a distinguished politician.
Being an American does not mean you are more religious, wear a bigger lapel pin, or have some direct line to God. It means working together through the easy times, and standing tall during the hard times. This is the time that we all need to remember what and who we are.
I vote. I pay taxes and make my house payment on time. I have not committed any crimes (at least legal crimes), and I have only gotten one speeding ticket in my life.
I believe that people go into politics for two reasons: Power, and a genuine desire to help humanity. I suspect Bachmann of the first reason. An attempt to push forward her religious agenda.
I do not believe that all Republicans are wacked out Christians, nor do I believe that all Democrats are intelligent and open minded.
I am not a politician. I do not go about accusing people of the opposing side of not being American enough.
We have enough problems going on without turning things into witch hunts. Accusations like Bachmann's only divide us, not bring us together. Remember, the main point in this whole sordid business is that we are all together in this. To push for a further separation between political ideals is incitement. And it has no place in turning this difficult business into something
better and healthier.
So please, Michelle, stop and think about what you are doing. You are not building bridges, you are trying to create a bigger divide. We all need to stand together and this is not the way to bring that about. It only makes you look like a nut job, not a distinguished politician.
Being an American does not mean you are more religious, wear a bigger lapel pin, or have some direct line to God. It means working together through the easy times, and standing tall during the hard times. This is the time that we all need to remember what and who we are.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sunday
Well, its been a busy weekend. Phil is redoing the windows. I am making chili. I still need to do laundry (hate hate) but we all need clean stuff once in awhile.
I just heard that Colin Powell endorsed Obama. Interesting. But I think he got a really bum deal from the Repubies and Bush. Well, he is intelligent, no?
Ta!
I just heard that Colin Powell endorsed Obama. Interesting. But I think he got a really bum deal from the Repubies and Bush. Well, he is intelligent, no?
Ta!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Guppies
I am tired of the religious conservatives spouting off about abstinence being the best form of birth control. It didn't work for the Palin girl who was raised in a "religious" household.
That's what comes of talking about a system that DOESN'T WORK!!!.
Now, personally I could never have had an abortion. I have two great kids, but that was a lucky roll of the dice. I was told I probably would never have them. That dire prediction did not make me whine and whimper about abortion and not having a future possibility of adoption.
The thing I have the most problem with is the anti-choice people's stance.
I talked to a guy a couple of years ago that was standing out with a big Anti-Abortion sign. I asked him what he does to help women that do not have abortions. Does he adopt?
Help them raise the child? Does he insure that the child will be raised in a loving, encouraging, non violent home? His response was that his responsibility ended with the birth. That he was not responsible for making sure the child was raised in a good environment. As long as he made sure the child was born, his work was done. That is pretty selfish to me.
Until the anti abortion people can make sure that all children are raised with love, safety, and respect, then they should shut up. When they are out there making things better all through the child's life, then I will agree with them.
Responsibility does not end at birth. It begins at birth. And to me, birth does not start at conception, it starts when this child enters the outside world.
That's what comes of talking about a system that DOESN'T WORK!!!.
Now, personally I could never have had an abortion. I have two great kids, but that was a lucky roll of the dice. I was told I probably would never have them. That dire prediction did not make me whine and whimper about abortion and not having a future possibility of adoption.
The thing I have the most problem with is the anti-choice people's stance.
I talked to a guy a couple of years ago that was standing out with a big Anti-Abortion sign. I asked him what he does to help women that do not have abortions. Does he adopt?
Help them raise the child? Does he insure that the child will be raised in a loving, encouraging, non violent home? His response was that his responsibility ended with the birth. That he was not responsible for making sure the child was raised in a good environment. As long as he made sure the child was born, his work was done. That is pretty selfish to me.
Until the anti abortion people can make sure that all children are raised with love, safety, and respect, then they should shut up. When they are out there making things better all through the child's life, then I will agree with them.
Responsibility does not end at birth. It begins at birth. And to me, birth does not start at conception, it starts when this child enters the outside world.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Speeling
I have warned you all that my spelling is horrible. However, I think people will get the gist of what I say. Perhaps they will just "feel sorry" for my lack of education.
Sarah's Palin
So..... Its been proven that Sarah used her influence in the case where she tried to get her ex-brother in law fired as a state trooper. That along with her inciting people almost to violence proves she is unworthy of the vice presidency. I listed to a McCain town hall meeting held about 2 miles from my house yesterday. This is a battle state but I think he has lost the fight.
A woman said she was afraid of Obama because he was an Arab. McCain did try to clear that up by saying that Obama is a good family man, a citizen of this country, and the only problem he had with Obama was a difference of opinion. He is trying to calm down his followers after eagerly promoting a mob like mentality. He picked Sarah, the pit bull in lipstick, and now he has to swallow it.
Sarah always talks about being a hockey mom. Well, I was a hockey mom too until it became so expensive that we had to find something else to do. If she can afford hockey for her kids, she is far richer than I am. And, typical hockey moms don't dress like she does either.
I also don't like the fact that she uses her small son to illicit pity. My uncle was a down syndrome baby and we didn't use him to make people feel sorry for us. There are many down syndrome people in the world so she can't corner that market. She hardly holds him at all, just passes him off to one of her children after she pats him a couple of times.
But, this is just my opinion. Who knows what lurks in her mind. But I will say that she scares me more than John McCain. He at least has the wisdom of his years.
A woman said she was afraid of Obama because he was an Arab. McCain did try to clear that up by saying that Obama is a good family man, a citizen of this country, and the only problem he had with Obama was a difference of opinion. He is trying to calm down his followers after eagerly promoting a mob like mentality. He picked Sarah, the pit bull in lipstick, and now he has to swallow it.
Sarah always talks about being a hockey mom. Well, I was a hockey mom too until it became so expensive that we had to find something else to do. If she can afford hockey for her kids, she is far richer than I am. And, typical hockey moms don't dress like she does either.
I also don't like the fact that she uses her small son to illicit pity. My uncle was a down syndrome baby and we didn't use him to make people feel sorry for us. There are many down syndrome people in the world so she can't corner that market. She hardly holds him at all, just passes him off to one of her children after she pats him a couple of times.
But, this is just my opinion. Who knows what lurks in her mind. But I will say that she scares me more than John McCain. He at least has the wisdom of his years.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Can of worms
I watched the debates last night. I just think that McCain is a loose canon waiting to go off. I believe that he has been through terrible things in his life, but I just do not think those things make him presidential.
I am a peaceful person to a certain extent. Yes, I would defend myself and mine against others, but I do not think we have a right to insert ourselves any place we choose to force our own agenda.
I think John McCain is too willing to send our boys and girls of the military into harms way with nothing justified.
Yes, I understand we need to protect ourselves but this current situation reminds me of ancient Rome. We have spread ourselves out too far, we are broke, and we just do not have a concentrated power to correct any of the situations we find ourselves in. But I refuse to take credit for Iraq. I believed it was wrong, I believe it was a ploy to send our attention off in a different direction so that a failure in one area (Afghanistan) was not as obvious.
When I was in the military, we were taught to always watch the Soviet Union. They had a nasty habit of promoting unrest in a certain area of the world, and while our eyes were watching that, they secretly pulled something bigger and meaner in another area. This was their typical ploy in Georgia too. But when I see my own country pulling the same crap, it makes me fear for our country.
I want the billions to stop going to Iraq. I want our old people to be healthy. I want our young people to have hope for a future. I want to feel comfortable that the hard work I have done over the past 40 years (yes I was working when I was barely a teen ager) to mean something. So that in my older years I am comfortable and have decent medical. And I don't just want this for myself but for everyone that has made an effort to work towards their golden years.
And now all this encouragement to put money away and save has backfired. Many people have lost their life savings, lost their health coverage or are paying a very high price for it, and many people have lost their jobs and their homes.
Where is this American way people keep talking about? What is our future and where is our ability to help our own?
We are sliding quickly into being a third world country. I am tired. I think we all are. The dream seems to be turning into a nightmare.
I am a peaceful person to a certain extent. Yes, I would defend myself and mine against others, but I do not think we have a right to insert ourselves any place we choose to force our own agenda.
I think John McCain is too willing to send our boys and girls of the military into harms way with nothing justified.
Yes, I understand we need to protect ourselves but this current situation reminds me of ancient Rome. We have spread ourselves out too far, we are broke, and we just do not have a concentrated power to correct any of the situations we find ourselves in. But I refuse to take credit for Iraq. I believed it was wrong, I believe it was a ploy to send our attention off in a different direction so that a failure in one area (Afghanistan) was not as obvious.
When I was in the military, we were taught to always watch the Soviet Union. They had a nasty habit of promoting unrest in a certain area of the world, and while our eyes were watching that, they secretly pulled something bigger and meaner in another area. This was their typical ploy in Georgia too. But when I see my own country pulling the same crap, it makes me fear for our country.
I want the billions to stop going to Iraq. I want our old people to be healthy. I want our young people to have hope for a future. I want to feel comfortable that the hard work I have done over the past 40 years (yes I was working when I was barely a teen ager) to mean something. So that in my older years I am comfortable and have decent medical. And I don't just want this for myself but for everyone that has made an effort to work towards their golden years.
And now all this encouragement to put money away and save has backfired. Many people have lost their life savings, lost their health coverage or are paying a very high price for it, and many people have lost their jobs and their homes.
Where is this American way people keep talking about? What is our future and where is our ability to help our own?
We are sliding quickly into being a third world country. I am tired. I think we all are. The dream seems to be turning into a nightmare.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Just a little fish in a big sea
I checked out another guy's blog. He is the brother of my husband's boss. It was outstanding and current. I will never strive for that perfection. I am simple and while I have read the "Iliad", the "Aeneid", the "Oddessy", and I have compared "Apocalypse Now" to Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness", I am not that intelligent. I have a tough time speeling any of those words above and had to go again and again to spell check everything.
We are worried, my husband and I, about what sort of world is ahead for our college aged children. Their education has always been of great importance to us, but things seem so horrible right now. What are the possibilities for them? What sort of jobs will be available because of this terrible place our country is in now. My husband said that he hoped someone would snap their fingers and we would all somehow wake up. I tried clicking my heels together like Dorothy (although I would never be caught dead living in conservative Kansas) but it didn't work. The nightmare just keeps on going with no dawn to look towards.
Yes, John McCain is a maverick, as is Sara Palin (or so they keep telling us) but they don't seem to have a plan or give any hope of change to look forward to. So, I will continue to be a democrat because I believe the world can be better than the dim and somewhat warlike world Mr. McCain sees.
We are worried, my husband and I, about what sort of world is ahead for our college aged children. Their education has always been of great importance to us, but things seem so horrible right now. What are the possibilities for them? What sort of jobs will be available because of this terrible place our country is in now. My husband said that he hoped someone would snap their fingers and we would all somehow wake up. I tried clicking my heels together like Dorothy (although I would never be caught dead living in conservative Kansas) but it didn't work. The nightmare just keeps on going with no dawn to look towards.
Yes, John McCain is a maverick, as is Sara Palin (or so they keep telling us) but they don't seem to have a plan or give any hope of change to look forward to. So, I will continue to be a democrat because I believe the world can be better than the dim and somewhat warlike world Mr. McCain sees.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Bass ackwards
Ok, Ok, I have been remiss in keeping up with my blog. Thursday is here, garbage trucks roaring past. A noisy beginning to the day. Except that its Thursday!! One more day to the weekend and then up north for two days. I have no plans. Just fishing and sleeping and eating. We always have these huge dinners on Saturday and Sunday with my brother. He loves to cook and has these menus that he must think about all week long. He is also crazy about time frames while my husband (also a very very good cook) is more laid back. To my husband, if he says dinner is at 2 p.m., it will be at 4 p.m. My brother has to have everything ready and on the table by his selected time.
He is an out of work (by choice) truck driver. He hates the unregulated industry. He believes if they have rules, they should be followed. And he is a stickler for rules. He will not run over hours, he will not "fudge" his books, and when companies he has worked for press for him to run illegally, he quits. Yes, you can make more money driving illegally for someone, but my brother is as honest as they come. So, he has taken the summer off to catch up on repairs, have a garden, (he is so proud of providing salad things) and just rest.
The schedules truck drivers have are really awful. And I don't wonder that they fall asleep driving. Its interesting though, its the driver that gets screwed. Not the company who encourages the drivers to run longer, faster, and be more profitable for the company. The company will deny they encourage "cooking the log books", but they do in so many ways. And for a driver with a family and bills, well, he will take the routes because he can make more money. And in this day and age, with the economy like it is, can we blame him?
Anyway, I have to get ready for work. Tomorrow (Friday) is casual day. It is nice not having to dress up every day, but I still have to look professional as I am the first person clients see when they walk in the door. So, I guess it is still a dress up day for me.
He is an out of work (by choice) truck driver. He hates the unregulated industry. He believes if they have rules, they should be followed. And he is a stickler for rules. He will not run over hours, he will not "fudge" his books, and when companies he has worked for press for him to run illegally, he quits. Yes, you can make more money driving illegally for someone, but my brother is as honest as they come. So, he has taken the summer off to catch up on repairs, have a garden, (he is so proud of providing salad things) and just rest.
The schedules truck drivers have are really awful. And I don't wonder that they fall asleep driving. Its interesting though, its the driver that gets screwed. Not the company who encourages the drivers to run longer, faster, and be more profitable for the company. The company will deny they encourage "cooking the log books", but they do in so many ways. And for a driver with a family and bills, well, he will take the routes because he can make more money. And in this day and age, with the economy like it is, can we blame him?
Anyway, I have to get ready for work. Tomorrow (Friday) is casual day. It is nice not having to dress up every day, but I still have to look professional as I am the first person clients see when they walk in the door. So, I guess it is still a dress up day for me.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Still looking for bait
It is Friday. The middle of September and the summer is gone. It seems I didn't have a summer this year what with the traveling, family get togethers (hubby's) and visits. What I wanted most was to go to my little cabin, sleep late, sew, and just have silence and be solitary. I have a need now, in my old age, to have alone time. Life (other people's) has overridden everything.
Ok, enough of the sob. I have started a new job. Receptionist at a large company. Because I only started on Monday, I have disconnected people, paged the wrong names, forgotten most of the people I am supposed to know. (I did remember the Owner although I only knew him from the picture in the hall way). Lucky me, he came in yesterday and I did recognize him. Brownie points!!
It isn't very busy, this job. As most of the clients call in the a.m. and I work p.ms. Which is fine since with only a few days training, I can learn slowly. I am also trying to learn MicroSoft systems as I have a Mac (which seems easier).
The front lobby is filled with bamboo trees and other plants, so they keep it like a hot house in there. My hands sweat so badly, and I am constantly having to shake hands with people. Ack!
I got the IT guy to turn down the heat. Hopefully things will be better today.
I only have to work until 5 p.m. which is great. 24 hours a week is just fine with me. I don't like the drive but things are improving as they have finally opened up the 35W Bridge after the big collapse last year. It will take awhile before I go over that bridge. Too scarey!
Ok, enough of the sob. I have started a new job. Receptionist at a large company. Because I only started on Monday, I have disconnected people, paged the wrong names, forgotten most of the people I am supposed to know. (I did remember the Owner although I only knew him from the picture in the hall way). Lucky me, he came in yesterday and I did recognize him. Brownie points!!
It isn't very busy, this job. As most of the clients call in the a.m. and I work p.ms. Which is fine since with only a few days training, I can learn slowly. I am also trying to learn MicroSoft systems as I have a Mac (which seems easier).
The front lobby is filled with bamboo trees and other plants, so they keep it like a hot house in there. My hands sweat so badly, and I am constantly having to shake hands with people. Ack!
I got the IT guy to turn down the heat. Hopefully things will be better today.
I only have to work until 5 p.m. which is great. 24 hours a week is just fine with me. I don't like the drive but things are improving as they have finally opened up the 35W Bridge after the big collapse last year. It will take awhile before I go over that bridge. Too scarey!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Paper towels
There is a commercial on TV that I just hate. The scene is set when a father and son stand peering at something on the floor. Someone has spilled their beverage and the two are debating on how many paper towels it will take to clean up the mess. The father says 4 sheets, the son says 5. Typically male, they stand over the mess and watch it flow towards the carpet. No effort is made to clean it up themselves.
All of a sudden, Mom pipes up and says, in an upbeat manner, that it will only take 1 sheet of the paper towels to clean up. She swoops in, wipes up the mess, rinses the paper towel out and cleans off the carpet. She seems soooo happy and cheerful to be allowed to clean up. It sickens me on two levels.
1. Why can't the damned "boys" clean up their own mess? They stand there watching the liquid seep towards the carpet like it was some sort of Nascar race!
2. No woman I know would be happy to clean up the mess in this manner. A normal woman wouldn't smile so sweetly and rush to clean it up. She would be yelling at the idiots to hurry up and wipe it up before it reaches the carpet. She wouldn't care how many paper towels were used!
This isn't a Beaver Cleaver world. And to promote the idea or concept that women are only too happy to clean up after every one is bull. What was this company thinking?
All of a sudden, Mom pipes up and says, in an upbeat manner, that it will only take 1 sheet of the paper towels to clean up. She swoops in, wipes up the mess, rinses the paper towel out and cleans off the carpet. She seems soooo happy and cheerful to be allowed to clean up. It sickens me on two levels.
1. Why can't the damned "boys" clean up their own mess? They stand there watching the liquid seep towards the carpet like it was some sort of Nascar race!
2. No woman I know would be happy to clean up the mess in this manner. A normal woman wouldn't smile so sweetly and rush to clean it up. She would be yelling at the idiots to hurry up and wipe it up before it reaches the carpet. She wouldn't care how many paper towels were used!
This isn't a Beaver Cleaver world. And to promote the idea or concept that women are only too happy to clean up after every one is bull. What was this company thinking?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Only On Rainy Wednesdays
Do we all have these feelings of being overwhelmed? That icky panicky feeling that makes our hearts beat fast and that lump that sits somewhere behind our sternums? Drinking helps but at this time of day, one would have to admit that they have a "problem" even though they might say "somewhere in the world it is 5:00 o'clock.
No, gin is not the answer. I know if I just get up and go down into the dark cellar (basement), and move one thing, maybe two, I will feel I have accomplished something. I have set things in piles, moved the piles, thrown things out, moved the full trash bags. It seems I just push things from one area to another. I dream of having a huge dumpster with a conveyor belt so that I can heave things on and they just go away.
This is what happens when you work at a fabric store for years. You collect and collect, big plans for making things, and then you lose interest in that particular task/project and then you lose the pattern or the idea and are stuck. My husband is not happy with the disaster. He says it looks like one of those houses where they call in the health department. Hoarding.
My sister is coming to visit. She also loves fabric but is neat and tidy and organized while I suffer from ADHD (not diagnosed). And I can not stand that she will think I am some loon woman. I think it is a sickness, this collecting. I have friends who's fabric has taken up the whole basement and most of their homes. I know it is rather normal for a sewer but I can't stand that sort of thing. So, I am throwing away everything and cutting back.
Sigh. Back to the dungeon.
No, gin is not the answer. I know if I just get up and go down into the dark cellar (basement), and move one thing, maybe two, I will feel I have accomplished something. I have set things in piles, moved the piles, thrown things out, moved the full trash bags. It seems I just push things from one area to another. I dream of having a huge dumpster with a conveyor belt so that I can heave things on and they just go away.
This is what happens when you work at a fabric store for years. You collect and collect, big plans for making things, and then you lose interest in that particular task/project and then you lose the pattern or the idea and are stuck. My husband is not happy with the disaster. He says it looks like one of those houses where they call in the health department. Hoarding.
My sister is coming to visit. She also loves fabric but is neat and tidy and organized while I suffer from ADHD (not diagnosed). And I can not stand that she will think I am some loon woman. I think it is a sickness, this collecting. I have friends who's fabric has taken up the whole basement and most of their homes. I know it is rather normal for a sewer but I can't stand that sort of thing. So, I am throwing away everything and cutting back.
Sigh. Back to the dungeon.
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