Is it January 6th? Jamie is leaving for a pheasant hunting trip tomorrow (note to self: do NOT say, "You can only go hunting again if you take the damn dog with you" to keep him from going hunting, b/c apparently he wants to hunt bad enough to do just that). Our New Years Eve plans were canceled yesterday when our party hosts' daughter woke up puking. So did Cassie, but she appears to be over it. She's still a bit crabby and out of sorts though, so I think it's best if we stay home. I did let Chase have a friend over today, Cass is napping and will generally stay out of the boys' way anyway.
Sherman had a friend over today as well! His BFF Lennox (the neighbor's boxer) turned up at our gate while Sherm was outside. If only we could rig a one-way dog door for him to get into the backyard...Chase let him in and they played a bit while I sent Chase to the neighbors' to let them know he was here (they live 2 houses down in the court). Sherman loved having him over. I really wish we had an electric fence so he could play w/his friends in the side/front yard. Totally not happening, but a girl can dream, right?
Speaking of dreaming, is it wrong that I want new carpet in the family room? I know this carpet was new when we moved in, but it's GROSS. I want a dirt colored frieze. I wonder if I can talk Jamie into that...
I'm off to read a magazine and enjoy the quiet (Cass is napping and Chase is playing w/his friend Peter)...
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Slacker
Sorry I've been lax on the blog, I was a bit preoccupied last week with two Christmases for 28 (it was an 18 hour day, which isn't so much a holiday as hell on earth) and then Christmas Round 3 with the monster in law the very next day! Lucky me! At least we've upgraded to Applebees instead of the truck stop or Cracker Barrel. Unfortunately, I've got a trio of canker sores (stress?) and thought popping a (leftover from Cassie's delivery) Percocet would be a good idea Friday morning. Turns out that wasn't such a good idea on an empty stomach...but MIL was certainly more tolerable. My sister doesn't believe that I have to sit through her piano/singing recitals every time we visit. There is photographic evidence on Facebook and next time, I'm taping her w/my cell and sending it as proof of the hell I endure. On the bright side, as I was piling the majority of her gifts in the back of the van to drop off at Goodwill, I made a mental list of resolutions for Chase's future wife.
1. I will not buy all of your Christmas gifts at Dollar General or Wal Mart. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with Dollar General or Wal Mart...but every single gift?! Come on!
2. I will not buy you clothing that is wildly inappropriate for a 30-something mother of two and say, "I thought it would be cute on you." Nor will I buy you a Hanes t-shirt w/the $3 clearance tag still on it and say, "I know you like plain stuff."
3. I promise not to buy you tiny purses (when you carry a diaper bag) or beaded evening bags and tell you how "expensive" they were.
4. I promise not to give you a used, fake designer bag that I bought for myself but quit using when I realized how moronic I looked carrying a diaper bag. And then tell you that I bought the bag for myself but want you to have it!
5. I promise not to buy your kids a bunch of crappy toys that have you worrying about their lead levels.
6. I promise not to push YOUR gift to me aside and say, "I'll look at it later when you're gone. There's lots of time for that."
Thank God for my other MIL. My Christmas gift from her this year? A blanket I mentioned I may pick up for our bed and a cookie sheet (b/c mine has seen better days). IOW, stuff she heard me say I wanted but knew I wouldn't get around do actually doing. Isn't that the whole point of gift giving? To give something the recipient would like, as opposed to something YOU like? UGH. On the bright side, Jamie appreciates the tax deduction we'll get when I drop his mother's gifts for us off at Goodwill, but it's just such a waste.
Jamie is downstairs playing Mario on Chase's new DS. That thing is addicting. I got sucked in this afternoon...
Battery is dying on the laptop. Time for bed!
1. I will not buy all of your Christmas gifts at Dollar General or Wal Mart. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with Dollar General or Wal Mart...but every single gift?! Come on!
2. I will not buy you clothing that is wildly inappropriate for a 30-something mother of two and say, "I thought it would be cute on you." Nor will I buy you a Hanes t-shirt w/the $3 clearance tag still on it and say, "I know you like plain stuff."
3. I promise not to buy you tiny purses (when you carry a diaper bag) or beaded evening bags and tell you how "expensive" they were.
4. I promise not to give you a used, fake designer bag that I bought for myself but quit using when I realized how moronic I looked carrying a diaper bag. And then tell you that I bought the bag for myself but want you to have it!
5. I promise not to buy your kids a bunch of crappy toys that have you worrying about their lead levels.
6. I promise not to push YOUR gift to me aside and say, "I'll look at it later when you're gone. There's lots of time for that."
Thank God for my other MIL. My Christmas gift from her this year? A blanket I mentioned I may pick up for our bed and a cookie sheet (b/c mine has seen better days). IOW, stuff she heard me say I wanted but knew I wouldn't get around do actually doing. Isn't that the whole point of gift giving? To give something the recipient would like, as opposed to something YOU like? UGH. On the bright side, Jamie appreciates the tax deduction we'll get when I drop his mother's gifts for us off at Goodwill, but it's just such a waste.
Jamie is downstairs playing Mario on Chase's new DS. That thing is addicting. I got sucked in this afternoon...
Battery is dying on the laptop. Time for bed!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
My Annual Christmas Letter
Once again, I didn't actually send out a Christmas letter. Seriously, if you're one of the lucky hundred or so who gets a Christmas card from me (snort), you probably know all the exciting Tennyson news. However, I couldn't resist poking fun at the typical "our family is so wonderful" letters sent this time of year!
Happy Holidays! Season's Greetings! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukah! Have a great Festivus, Super Solstice and Happy Kwanzaa! 2008 is nearly over and the Tennyson family survived another year...well, except Woody, our beloved beagle boy. After a long and happy life, he passed away July 30 at the age of 14 1/2. Our plan to get a puppy to help Chase w/Woody's inevitable passing surely worked, as when we broke the news to Chase, his reaction was, "Oh well, at least we've still got Sherman." Sherman is the newest member of our family, a golden retriever puppy. At nearly eight months of age, he outweighs both kids and is well on his way to outweighing ME very soon! We've socked more money into his training than Jamie and I care to think about it, and he's on his way to becoming the best behaved member of our brood. Amazing what a shock collar can do...if only human kids were as easy as dogs!
Speaking of the human kids, Cassie will be 18 months on Christmas Day and is every bit the toddler. That's my polite way of saying that I spend most of days trying to make sure she and the puppy don't kill themselves or each other by ingesting something lethal, drowning in the toilet, or eating electrical cords. She is quite fond of washing her hands, unfortunately her favorite place to do so is the aforementioned toilet. Her access to the bathroom has been halted because of this, so no potty training for her any time soon! She can be very sweet when she isn't throwing a tantrum!
Chase will be seven next month and is loving first grade. He reads now, which means I have to be very careful about what I spell and making sure he isn't reading over my shoulder when I'm on the computer. I wonder if there is some sort of hip IM language for "kid reading over my shoulder?" Truly I believe that his existence proves, without a shadow of a doubt, that selective hearing does indeed result from being born with a penis. He seems to hear exactly what he shouldn't from anywhere in the house, but can't seem to hear me speaking to him when I'm right next to him. Yeah, he's his father's son.
About Jamie--unless you've been living under a rock, you know the stock market crashed a few months ago. Don't worry about us though! Jamie is still employed and convincing people that despite the crash, the market is still, long term, a better place for their money than their mattresses! And maybe, someday, the half completed landscaping out front will get finished. Grrrrr...stock market. It can't be that bad though, Jamie managed SIX hunting trips this fall, netting an elk, mule deer, and antelope. Yes, the heads are going in his man cave. And yes, I know I'm a saint. Remind him, would you?
As for me, I continue on my path of "professional volunteerism" (Jamie calls it working my ass off for free, but that doesn't sound quite as nice or productive). I may be the prissiest thing the Cub Scouts have ever seen, but the boys in my Den love me anyway. When not helping out the Cub Scouts, PTO, Alpha Chi Omega or our church, the kids and puppy and all my other domestic duties keep me teetering on the brink of sanity. Gainful employment would undoubtly send me right off the end. Or so I tell Jamie...
All the best in 2009!
The Tennyson Family
Jamie, Christi, Chase, Cassie & Sherman
Happy Holidays! Season's Greetings! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukah! Have a great Festivus, Super Solstice and Happy Kwanzaa! 2008 is nearly over and the Tennyson family survived another year...well, except Woody, our beloved beagle boy. After a long and happy life, he passed away July 30 at the age of 14 1/2. Our plan to get a puppy to help Chase w/Woody's inevitable passing surely worked, as when we broke the news to Chase, his reaction was, "Oh well, at least we've still got Sherman." Sherman is the newest member of our family, a golden retriever puppy. At nearly eight months of age, he outweighs both kids and is well on his way to outweighing ME very soon! We've socked more money into his training than Jamie and I care to think about it, and he's on his way to becoming the best behaved member of our brood. Amazing what a shock collar can do...if only human kids were as easy as dogs!
Speaking of the human kids, Cassie will be 18 months on Christmas Day and is every bit the toddler. That's my polite way of saying that I spend most of days trying to make sure she and the puppy don't kill themselves or each other by ingesting something lethal, drowning in the toilet, or eating electrical cords. She is quite fond of washing her hands, unfortunately her favorite place to do so is the aforementioned toilet. Her access to the bathroom has been halted because of this, so no potty training for her any time soon! She can be very sweet when she isn't throwing a tantrum!
Chase will be seven next month and is loving first grade. He reads now, which means I have to be very careful about what I spell and making sure he isn't reading over my shoulder when I'm on the computer. I wonder if there is some sort of hip IM language for "kid reading over my shoulder?" Truly I believe that his existence proves, without a shadow of a doubt, that selective hearing does indeed result from being born with a penis. He seems to hear exactly what he shouldn't from anywhere in the house, but can't seem to hear me speaking to him when I'm right next to him. Yeah, he's his father's son.
About Jamie--unless you've been living under a rock, you know the stock market crashed a few months ago. Don't worry about us though! Jamie is still employed and convincing people that despite the crash, the market is still, long term, a better place for their money than their mattresses! And maybe, someday, the half completed landscaping out front will get finished. Grrrrr...stock market. It can't be that bad though, Jamie managed SIX hunting trips this fall, netting an elk, mule deer, and antelope. Yes, the heads are going in his man cave. And yes, I know I'm a saint. Remind him, would you?
As for me, I continue on my path of "professional volunteerism" (Jamie calls it working my ass off for free, but that doesn't sound quite as nice or productive). I may be the prissiest thing the Cub Scouts have ever seen, but the boys in my Den love me anyway. When not helping out the Cub Scouts, PTO, Alpha Chi Omega or our church, the kids and puppy and all my other domestic duties keep me teetering on the brink of sanity. Gainful employment would undoubtly send me right off the end. Or so I tell Jamie...
All the best in 2009!
The Tennyson Family
Jamie, Christi, Chase, Cassie & Sherman
Friday, December 19, 2008
You may be a bad mom if...
your kid loses a tooth and then really loses the tooth. In your house. But not in the sofa cushions (checked there), coffee table, vacuum cleaner bag, or any other identifiable surface in the place. Did the dog eat it? IDK. Maybe the tooth fairy is real and grabbed it when we weren't looking, but that darn tooth is nowhere to be found! Yeah. I pretty much suck at this mom thing.
On the bright side, I found some post-Cassie delivery percocet and can't feel my back, so the night hasn't been a total loss...
Week. From. Hell.
On the bright side, I found some post-Cassie delivery percocet and can't feel my back, so the night hasn't been a total loss...
Week. From. Hell.
ouch
So I've been blogging about getting old A LOT lately. Today is no exception. Let me first tell the tale of "Christi, her two crazy kids and the stupid Sprint store."
Wednesday night the center button on my Palm Centro stopped working. Since the red power button was already behaving oddly, yesterday I took my phone to the nearest Sprint store. I grabbed a customer service guy and he gave it to a tech person and assured me it would only be 20 minutes or so. 45 minutes of hell later (Cassie threw such a tantrum that a perfect stranger gave me candy, and breaking all safety rules, I took it and fed it to her,) I grabbed another customer service rep and explained that lunch/nap were right around the corner and they hadn't seen ANYTHING yet re: her behavior, so I'd come back if it was going to be any longer. Allegedly my phone was fixed and it seemed to be working fine, so we left. Fast forward four hours later when I was mid-convo w/Jenn and I thought her phone (she was driving) dropped our call. Imagine my surprise when I realized it was MY phone. Which ceased to function at all. So when Jamie FINALLY got home, I hopped in the momobile and went back to the Sprint store. This time, I was diagnosed with a "fried" motherboard (apparently that is the technical term) and told I'd get a new phone in 3-5 days, but everything (it's a Palm Centro--so it's not just a phone, it's my planner/calendar/address book/camera, etc) was gone. GONE! Apparently I was to back it up on my PC b/c "these things happen." Um, yeah. Nice to know that now. So if we've got plans in '09, please call and let me know b/c I have no record of that and no short term memory. Also, if you're reading this and not my dad or husband, I no longer have your phone numbers, so drop me an email with those too, please! Thanks.
Anyway, when I got home from Sprint, I noticed the overflowing trash can in the garage and remembered that today is trash day. Cursing Jamie for not taking it out when he got home, I briefly remembered his warning that it was slick out, but pushed it aside b/c it was RAINING (not sleeting) and the driveway just looked wet. So I hopped out, hit the inch thick sheet of ice and went down hard. If I didn't crack a rib, I've got the mother of all bruises. It hurts to move, it hurts to breathe--it sucks to be me right now. I managed to get the trash to the curb though and get inside. Then I took an Ambien (couldn't find any decent painkillers) and tried to sleep it off. Unfortunately I'm old and sleeping it off hasn't worked. I still hurt. And every painful breath was a painful reminder that Sprint sucks.
So I headed back to the Sprint store (w/the kids in tow again) and spoke to a manager. I very politely explained that it was my third trip in 24 hours and while I realized that not backing the phone up was my fault, that in this day and age w/Fed Ex and couriers and whatnot, 3-5 business days for a new phone is unacceptable, and I knew we could find an acceptable solution. While Cassie untied bows on their decorative packages, the manager agreed to give me a new phone IF I signed up for insurance for the new phone. Okay, fine, whatever. I retied the bows, got my new (PINK!) phone, and got the hell out of there. Apparently, Sprint would really like to keep their customers happy and keep their business. So now I'm happy, I've already synced the new phone and laptop, and will do so regularly to prevent total data loss again. Other than the constant nagging pain (yet another reminder that I'm no longer a bouncing spring chicken), things are slowly improving. Jamie just sent flowers b/c I've had such a rough couple of days. And Chase finally lost his second tooth.
Maybe things are looking up...
Wednesday night the center button on my Palm Centro stopped working. Since the red power button was already behaving oddly, yesterday I took my phone to the nearest Sprint store. I grabbed a customer service guy and he gave it to a tech person and assured me it would only be 20 minutes or so. 45 minutes of hell later (Cassie threw such a tantrum that a perfect stranger gave me candy, and breaking all safety rules, I took it and fed it to her,) I grabbed another customer service rep and explained that lunch/nap were right around the corner and they hadn't seen ANYTHING yet re: her behavior, so I'd come back if it was going to be any longer. Allegedly my phone was fixed and it seemed to be working fine, so we left. Fast forward four hours later when I was mid-convo w/Jenn and I thought her phone (she was driving) dropped our call. Imagine my surprise when I realized it was MY phone. Which ceased to function at all. So when Jamie FINALLY got home, I hopped in the momobile and went back to the Sprint store. This time, I was diagnosed with a "fried" motherboard (apparently that is the technical term) and told I'd get a new phone in 3-5 days, but everything (it's a Palm Centro--so it's not just a phone, it's my planner/calendar/address book/camera, etc) was gone. GONE! Apparently I was to back it up on my PC b/c "these things happen." Um, yeah. Nice to know that now. So if we've got plans in '09, please call and let me know b/c I have no record of that and no short term memory. Also, if you're reading this and not my dad or husband, I no longer have your phone numbers, so drop me an email with those too, please! Thanks.
Anyway, when I got home from Sprint, I noticed the overflowing trash can in the garage and remembered that today is trash day. Cursing Jamie for not taking it out when he got home, I briefly remembered his warning that it was slick out, but pushed it aside b/c it was RAINING (not sleeting) and the driveway just looked wet. So I hopped out, hit the inch thick sheet of ice and went down hard. If I didn't crack a rib, I've got the mother of all bruises. It hurts to move, it hurts to breathe--it sucks to be me right now. I managed to get the trash to the curb though and get inside. Then I took an Ambien (couldn't find any decent painkillers) and tried to sleep it off. Unfortunately I'm old and sleeping it off hasn't worked. I still hurt. And every painful breath was a painful reminder that Sprint sucks.
So I headed back to the Sprint store (w/the kids in tow again) and spoke to a manager. I very politely explained that it was my third trip in 24 hours and while I realized that not backing the phone up was my fault, that in this day and age w/Fed Ex and couriers and whatnot, 3-5 business days for a new phone is unacceptable, and I knew we could find an acceptable solution. While Cassie untied bows on their decorative packages, the manager agreed to give me a new phone IF I signed up for insurance for the new phone. Okay, fine, whatever. I retied the bows, got my new (PINK!) phone, and got the hell out of there. Apparently, Sprint would really like to keep their customers happy and keep their business. So now I'm happy, I've already synced the new phone and laptop, and will do so regularly to prevent total data loss again. Other than the constant nagging pain (yet another reminder that I'm no longer a bouncing spring chicken), things are slowly improving. Jamie just sent flowers b/c I've had such a rough couple of days. And Chase finally lost his second tooth.
Maybe things are looking up...
Monday, December 15, 2008
So in the interest of helping my male readers (do I have male readers? I'm not real sure about that...) I'm going to post a helpful list of things NOT to do when watching your children (specifically, your one year old daughter):
1. Do not forget to feed her lunch and then tell your wife, "But she had lots of bacon and I gave her a six ounce bottle before her nap!"
2. Do not let her pick out a movie, plunk her in front of the TV for two hours to watch it and call it "snuggle time." If you want to snuggle on the couch, try reading a picture book (or 10) to her.
3. Do not pay more attention to your laptop than your children and puppy. Or the dog may eat the face off one of your daughter's stuffed animals...and if that happens, don't smack the dog. Smack yourself for your inattentiveness!
4. Do not argue with your wife when she calls bullshit on your aforementioned parenting techniques. Remember, if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
1. Do not forget to feed her lunch and then tell your wife, "But she had lots of bacon and I gave her a six ounce bottle before her nap!"
2. Do not let her pick out a movie, plunk her in front of the TV for two hours to watch it and call it "snuggle time." If you want to snuggle on the couch, try reading a picture book (or 10) to her.
3. Do not pay more attention to your laptop than your children and puppy. Or the dog may eat the face off one of your daughter's stuffed animals...and if that happens, don't smack the dog. Smack yourself for your inattentiveness!
4. Do not argue with your wife when she calls bullshit on your aforementioned parenting techniques. Remember, if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Another Date Night with Chase
Last night Chase and I went roller skating w/his Cub Scout pack. The first half hour was hell. I asked one of the Dads in my Den if the rink had a bar. They don't, but he had a 12 pack in the car. If I didn't hate beer like the proverbial fat kid and gym class, I would have polished that whole thing off. It was that bad. It's my fault. Mik and I had our sixth bday party at a roller rink. By third grade, we spent every Wednesday night at the roller rink. We could roller skate old school like Xanadu. I took Chase once when he was three and it was a disaster. He had ice skating lessons shortly after that, but we haven't done either since I got pregnant w/Cass.
Midway through last night we switched him to inline skates and he did rather well after that. He's not great, but he's cute out there and has a good time. So much so that he decided to have his seventh bday party at the roller rink. Since I need to book a party soon, tonight we scoped out another rink closer to the house. Unfortunately, when I looked up the hours online, it didn't say anything about Friday night being "teen night." Tween night is probably a more accurate description, as the kids weren't that much bigger than Chase.
There is nothing like being surrounded by waif-like tweens decked out head to toe in Hollister to make a mom (in Ann Taylor) feel old. Add to that the fact that I didn't recognize one song (NOT ONE!) the entire two hours we were there. And the twerp who apologized profusely for shouting "SH*T!" in front of me and Chase...yeah, because you know that was the first time my precious heard that word! I appreciated the respect, but it still made me realize that I'm OLD! Old. Old. Old. And not cool.
Fortunately, my first grader still thinks I'm super cool. And I really, really enjoy our one on one time. This evening he recognized a little girl from his BFF Dylan's class at the rink. He skated over and asked if she would be skating any more this evening. She got ALL embarrassed and hid behind her mom, but her mom thought Chase was adorable. Hopefully that isn't a sign of Chase's luck w/the ladies in the future...
Off to bed with me. Sherman is asleep at my feet. He got to play with Lucy (his Golden girlfriend), Oreo (his Great Dane friend) and Lennox (his Boxer bff) this evening on our walk so he is tuckered out! Check out my Facebook profile for pics of him and his new duck. And for pics of Chase's school party this morning. In case I haven't said it lately--Mrs. Duemler is really a very wonderful teacher. I <3 her.
Midway through last night we switched him to inline skates and he did rather well after that. He's not great, but he's cute out there and has a good time. So much so that he decided to have his seventh bday party at the roller rink. Since I need to book a party soon, tonight we scoped out another rink closer to the house. Unfortunately, when I looked up the hours online, it didn't say anything about Friday night being "teen night." Tween night is probably a more accurate description, as the kids weren't that much bigger than Chase.
There is nothing like being surrounded by waif-like tweens decked out head to toe in Hollister to make a mom (in Ann Taylor) feel old. Add to that the fact that I didn't recognize one song (NOT ONE!) the entire two hours we were there. And the twerp who apologized profusely for shouting "SH*T!" in front of me and Chase...yeah, because you know that was the first time my precious heard that word! I appreciated the respect, but it still made me realize that I'm OLD! Old. Old. Old. And not cool.
Fortunately, my first grader still thinks I'm super cool. And I really, really enjoy our one on one time. This evening he recognized a little girl from his BFF Dylan's class at the rink. He skated over and asked if she would be skating any more this evening. She got ALL embarrassed and hid behind her mom, but her mom thought Chase was adorable. Hopefully that isn't a sign of Chase's luck w/the ladies in the future...
Off to bed with me. Sherman is asleep at my feet. He got to play with Lucy (his Golden girlfriend), Oreo (his Great Dane friend) and Lennox (his Boxer bff) this evening on our walk so he is tuckered out! Check out my Facebook profile for pics of him and his new duck. And for pics of Chase's school party this morning. In case I haven't said it lately--Mrs. Duemler is really a very wonderful teacher. I <3 her.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
JOLT!
What a difference a week makes! So I know e collars are controversial. But that thing has made all the difference in our lives. Seriously, it's the difference between having a family pet that I love and a dog I just wanted to pawn off on whoever would take him. I've never had a particularly well trained dog before. Woody wasn't, but he was small enough that it didn't really matter. Ditto Baxter. And Max & Reggie before them. But 60-70lbs of untrained puppy can not coexist with a toddler. Not without Mom losing her mind. Now, I've got a dog that sits, lies down, climbs (goes to his bed and stays there), leaves it, and drops it. Oh, and he waits at the door for me to exit first. Instead of confining him to his crate all the time, he gets a climb command and hangs out in his bed. I've even been letting him upstairs to lie on my bed (he loves that!) instead of crating him when I put laundry away. He's really becoming a full-fledged member of the family now...
It's not for everyone, but for us, it's made a huge difference in the quality of ALL our lives. And it doesn't even hurt. I did it to my hand. It is unpleasant, but not painful. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it may be the best Christmas present EVER...
It's not for everyone, but for us, it's made a huge difference in the quality of ALL our lives. And it doesn't even hurt. I did it to my hand. It is unpleasant, but not painful. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it may be the best Christmas present EVER...
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Finally a free moment to sit down. What a crazy week! I'm not going to lie, life w/o a dog a much, much easier. If Woody had died and I'd gotten used to dog-free life, we'd be a dog-free family for a while. However, this morning I caught Cassie in the dining room kissing Sherman's picture. So while she hasn't verbalized that she misses him--she misses him. And I miss him. The house is cleaner (no nose prints on the door or paw prints on the floors) and life is easier, but I do miss our crazy furball nonetheless. Which is a good thing. B/c the week of training and boarding this week cost almost twice as much as my new suit. Merry Christmas to me...
I called his trainer to check in this afternoon and she said the electronic collar is working beautifully and he will now maintain his "climb" command (staying in his bed), even when distracted by his favorite dogs! If this transfers to home, life will be much easier for us all!
I've been doing quite a bit of Christmas shopping today. Wal Mart's site to store feature rocks. You can shop online, then pick up in store to avoid shipping charges (and spending more time than absolutely necessary in the hellhole that is Wal Mart). 12 people down, 9 to go. I need to consult w/Mary Ann this weekend about a gift for Jamie's grandmother and his great aunt (we drew his great aunt in family drawing--both are in their 90s and I have NO IDEA what to get them). The family is mostly done...it's mostly just the kids' stockings (knocked some of that out today at Target) and my friends that are left. I have a few ideas for my friends...I just need to figure out the details and logistics of what I want to do...
I brought Daddy home from the hospital today. He's getting around ridiculously well. Home health and PT will be coming for a few weeks and I'll be stopping by every day to check in (and bug him) as well. We've got Cub Scouts tonight--I think Cassie is coming along, which should be interesting. And by interesting, I mean hell on Earth... Jamie hasn't gotten a deer, and neither has Jim, which means they won't be coming home early. Apparently they haven't seen any deer large enough to shoot. I pointed out that next time they should try Iowa instead of Kansas b/c the bucks are bigger up north. But then I thought, "WTH am I saying next time for?" Because he will not live to see another fall like this one until we're empty-nesters. Of course, Sherman's boarding bill should be enough to put the kabosh on many more trips. ;) B/c if Daddy gets to go on vacation, so does Shermy!
I'm off to find games for my Tiger Cubs to play tonight...
I called his trainer to check in this afternoon and she said the electronic collar is working beautifully and he will now maintain his "climb" command (staying in his bed), even when distracted by his favorite dogs! If this transfers to home, life will be much easier for us all!
I've been doing quite a bit of Christmas shopping today. Wal Mart's site to store feature rocks. You can shop online, then pick up in store to avoid shipping charges (and spending more time than absolutely necessary in the hellhole that is Wal Mart). 12 people down, 9 to go. I need to consult w/Mary Ann this weekend about a gift for Jamie's grandmother and his great aunt (we drew his great aunt in family drawing--both are in their 90s and I have NO IDEA what to get them). The family is mostly done...it's mostly just the kids' stockings (knocked some of that out today at Target) and my friends that are left. I have a few ideas for my friends...I just need to figure out the details and logistics of what I want to do...
I brought Daddy home from the hospital today. He's getting around ridiculously well. Home health and PT will be coming for a few weeks and I'll be stopping by every day to check in (and bug him) as well. We've got Cub Scouts tonight--I think Cassie is coming along, which should be interesting. And by interesting, I mean hell on Earth... Jamie hasn't gotten a deer, and neither has Jim, which means they won't be coming home early. Apparently they haven't seen any deer large enough to shoot. I pointed out that next time they should try Iowa instead of Kansas b/c the bucks are bigger up north. But then I thought, "WTH am I saying next time for?" Because he will not live to see another fall like this one until we're empty-nesters. Of course, Sherman's boarding bill should be enough to put the kabosh on many more trips. ;) B/c if Daddy gets to go on vacation, so does Shermy!
I'm off to find games for my Tiger Cubs to play tonight...
Monday, December 1, 2008
It's been a crazy couple of days. I got up at 4am this morning to take dad to the hospital for his surgery. He didn't have the anesthesia issues he had with his last surgery (thank God) and recovery was much shorter. I'd say he's resting comfortably, ,but he's in quite a bit of pain. Instead I'll say that he's rather drugged and hopefully will not remember just how painful a total knee replacement is. On the bright side, every nurse at his bedside diagnosed sleep apnea. He was snoring so loudly that I had to leave the room!
My stomach is a bit upset--I'm hoping it's just nerves from Dad's surgery...Jamie is hunting (again) this week with Dad in the hospital, getting sick right now is NOT an option.
The house is decorated for Christmas--hopefully I'll get caught up on the laundry tomorrow. Today is not the day!
My stomach is a bit upset--I'm hoping it's just nerves from Dad's surgery...Jamie is hunting (again) this week with Dad in the hospital, getting sick right now is NOT an option.
The house is decorated for Christmas--hopefully I'll get caught up on the laundry tomorrow. Today is not the day!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
About those Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cakes...
They overflowed all over the bottom of the oven. The overflow ignighted. And I saw flames in the oven. I may have freaked out a little, the house was full of smoke, the smoke detectors were going off, and there were FLAMES in my oven. So I called 911. Four fire trucks, two police cars and an ambulance later--everyone and everything but the cakes were fine. It was an exciting start to the holiday. We took a Tippins Pumpkin Pie to my sister's today and we don't have to take anything to Jamie's parents' tomorrow.
No holiday is complete around here w/o a little drama.
No holiday is complete around here w/o a little drama.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Baking marathon
I made two pumpkin gooey butter cakes this afternoon during nap. The recipe is in last year's Thanksgiving post. Pumpkin pie was once a favorite in our house, but its been replaced! Disclaimer--it's a Paula Deen recipe, so I used an entire package of butter (that would be four sticks) to make two cakes. I'm not sure that using 1/3 less fat cream cheese really mattered, but hey, I tried. I had lots of help from Chase since he's home from school. We went to the grocery store this afternoon after an emergency trip to the dentist. The good news is that I don't have a cavity or sinus infection. Apparently I have sensitive teeth and need to switch to Sensodyne toothpaste. Uh, okay. I don't ever want to go to the grocery the day before TG again--it was insanity. And the next time Dad offers to babysit when I have a dentist trip, I'm totally taking him up on it.
Cass and I had sushi for lunch (california rolls for her, spicy rolls for me) and Chase had a hot dog lunchable. Gross, I know. Sherm has spent the majority of today outside or crated and I don't care. I'm over this whole perfectionist thing. Well trying to be...
I'm going to go hang w/my sous chef. Happy Thanksgiving!
Cass and I had sushi for lunch (california rolls for her, spicy rolls for me) and Chase had a hot dog lunchable. Gross, I know. Sherm has spent the majority of today outside or crated and I don't care. I'm over this whole perfectionist thing. Well trying to be...
I'm going to go hang w/my sous chef. Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
This made me laugh...
I was talking to Amy this evening and she said, "You sound good." And I said, "I'm feeling much better than last week, I swear PMS is making me crazy." She asked if I was taking any meds, the type of which my mother politely referred to as "nerve pills." I haven't been medicated like that in nearly three years--I quit the Lexapro right around the time I started the hard core fertility drugs. You know, Chase had been in preschool for a few years by then, so I figured the whole postpartnum depression thing was over. Conveniently, I could then blame my mood swings and bitchiness on the fertility drugs and resulting pregnancy...
So Amy said (as only Amy can), "Uh--maybe you need some meds so you can jack them up when you've got PMS." Last week that would have made me cry. But this week, I'm laughing. Four hours later, I still laugh when I hear her voice in my head saying it. (Not those kinds of voices, thankyouverymuch.) Which means I probably do need some sort of pharmaceutical when I'm PMSing. If I hadn't skipped my yearly exam last month (yeah, yeah, I know but after all the fertility stuff and pregnancy, my vajayjay is taking a break from drs)...I'd ask my ob. I'll see her in a few months at her granddaughter's bday party and if I'm still nuts, I'll inquire then...;)
So Amy said (as only Amy can), "Uh--maybe you need some meds so you can jack them up when you've got PMS." Last week that would have made me cry. But this week, I'm laughing. Four hours later, I still laugh when I hear her voice in my head saying it. (Not those kinds of voices, thankyouverymuch.) Which means I probably do need some sort of pharmaceutical when I'm PMSing. If I hadn't skipped my yearly exam last month (yeah, yeah, I know but after all the fertility stuff and pregnancy, my vajayjay is taking a break from drs)...I'd ask my ob. I'll see her in a few months at her granddaughter's bday party and if I'm still nuts, I'll inquire then...;)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Talked to the trainer...
We're going to try an electronic collar (otherwise known as a shock collar) during training next week. Jamie's dad actually has an appropriately sized collar for his pointers, so we're going to borrow his. Hopefully, this gets us through puppy adolesence. The trainer thinks that his high pain tolerance is rendering the pinch collar less than effective. She's been wanting to do an e-collar for a while, but I put her off b/c of the cost and my fear that it isn't humane. I've done a bit of research and it really isn't any different than a standard correction, which I've been doing for the last four months. My neighbor (a fellow Golden owner) used one on her previous Golden and said it worked beautifully.
He must know I'm at the end of my rope--he's lying peacefully in his bed while the kids play in a rubbermaid tub right next to him. THIS is what I want! Gotta rescue Cassie...from Chase this time, not the dog!
He must know I'm at the end of my rope--he's lying peacefully in his bed while the kids play in a rubbermaid tub right next to him. THIS is what I want! Gotta rescue Cassie...from Chase this time, not the dog!
It's interesting to me how friends/family are reacting to the Sherman thing. For the record, no decision regarding his future has been made. I'm praying about it. Today he pulled Chase off the swingset and tried to incite play (which for a pup like Sherm involves mouthing). He scared the crap out of Chase, who was abjectly hysterical. In a perfect world, Chase and Sherman would not ever be alone together. Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world...I'm just glad I heard Chase's screaming. He's fine and I think Jamie finally gets why I'm such a freaking basket case most of the time.
I have a good friend who has done dog rescue for years. I really thought she'd knock me upside the head for this situation. She didn't. She GOT that I'm in over my head and that I want what is best for all involved and am not sure 60lbs of puppy in this household is what is best for all involved. I'm also not sure it's not--we have a lot invested in Sherman (time, money, energy, and love)--no one wants a happy ending (the perfect family dog) for this story more than I do. I just don't know if I have the patience to make that dream a reality.
This week is going to be interesting b/c of the holiday...and next week (when Sherm is boarded b/c of Dad's surgery) is also going to be very telling. I'm just going to wait and see what happens. See how this week goes and see how next week (w/o him) goes.
Ultimately, he deserves to be in the best home for him. He could have it a lot worse than our house...but I also think he could have it a lot BETTER than our house too. We'll see...
I have a good friend who has done dog rescue for years. I really thought she'd knock me upside the head for this situation. She didn't. She GOT that I'm in over my head and that I want what is best for all involved and am not sure 60lbs of puppy in this household is what is best for all involved. I'm also not sure it's not--we have a lot invested in Sherman (time, money, energy, and love)--no one wants a happy ending (the perfect family dog) for this story more than I do. I just don't know if I have the patience to make that dream a reality.
This week is going to be interesting b/c of the holiday...and next week (when Sherm is boarded b/c of Dad's surgery) is also going to be very telling. I'm just going to wait and see what happens. See how this week goes and see how next week (w/o him) goes.
Ultimately, he deserves to be in the best home for him. He could have it a lot worse than our house...but I also think he could have it a lot BETTER than our house too. We'll see...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Meltdown
It's been a rough week, and not just because of the Dow. Jamie's been putting in very long hours, it's been a CRAZY busy week and things are only going to get busier. Today was my mom's birthday and even though it should be easier after two years, it still sucks.
Cassie's Godmother Lara called this afternoon to thank me for her birthday present and I melted. She didn't even get to thank me for the present (she called back later to check on me and actually thank me for the sweater) b/c I melted.
About Sherman: I love dogs, I've had a dog in some capacity for the last 27 years and he is going to be a great dog some day. I honestly can't imagine my life without a dog. We were home from our honeymoon for exactly 7 days before I got dog. I remember rolling over, looking at Jamie and saying, "If you're going to work this much, I gotta get a dog." I picked out Baxter at the Humane Society that night. That "three month old Lab" puppy was actually a nine month old pit bull mix. He was a good dog for me for six great years and for Amy for another three and I will forever be grateful to her for taking him when the vet said he needed a new home. Then came Woody--the one we were going to find a "nice home for" found ours and was such a great dog for our family. He was six when he came to live with us, and spent his final eight years with us. I miss him every day.
There have been others: Bella, the impulse beagle rescue who had toileting issues and went back to the pound in a clomid-tantrum after one too many "presents" on the playroom floor; Spike, the object-possessive rescue who went back to rescue b/c I refused to have an object-possessive dog in my house w/my small children. Relinquishing those dogs was incredibly difficult, but ultimately, my life was better for it. And is the whole reason for pets to make life better?
I don't know what we're going to do yet. Chase knows what is going on--he knows Mom is having a hard time and that something may have to give. We've discussed it. He's not thrilled, but he'll be okay.
Basically, I'm an idiot. I accept this and admit it. I hadn't had a puppy in years. I was seventeen when we got Max. Max was a shih tzu. The difference between a shih tzu puppy (who lives with two other dogs and no little kids) and a golden retriever puppy fairly defies description. Even Baxter--who was nine months old when I got him--I was working full time...I didn't have babies, he was my baby! He probably would have been just as nuts as Sherman if I'd had little kids, but I didn't. And I was working, so I wasn't dealing with him 18 hours a day. Nor was I juggling his needs with the needs of two other little ones. I honestly had no idea at all what I was getting into when we got Sherman. Not. A. Clue. It was stupid. It was naive. And now I'm dealing w/the results of my stupidity and naivete.
Jamie is supportive either way. He would like to try to help out a little more. We're going to do one more week of training when Dad has his knee replaced. It is board and train, so we'll see what a week w/o him is like. Quite honestly it will be my first dogless week in 11 1/2 years. We'll see how it goes...
I want what is best for everyone. I want Sherman in the best possible home for him--where he is exercised, trained, loved, and happy. And I want our home to be a happy home. I don't know if those two things are compatible right now, but I'm working on it.
Cassie's Godmother Lara called this afternoon to thank me for her birthday present and I melted. She didn't even get to thank me for the present (she called back later to check on me and actually thank me for the sweater) b/c I melted.
About Sherman: I love dogs, I've had a dog in some capacity for the last 27 years and he is going to be a great dog some day. I honestly can't imagine my life without a dog. We were home from our honeymoon for exactly 7 days before I got dog. I remember rolling over, looking at Jamie and saying, "If you're going to work this much, I gotta get a dog." I picked out Baxter at the Humane Society that night. That "three month old Lab" puppy was actually a nine month old pit bull mix. He was a good dog for me for six great years and for Amy for another three and I will forever be grateful to her for taking him when the vet said he needed a new home. Then came Woody--the one we were going to find a "nice home for" found ours and was such a great dog for our family. He was six when he came to live with us, and spent his final eight years with us. I miss him every day.
There have been others: Bella, the impulse beagle rescue who had toileting issues and went back to the pound in a clomid-tantrum after one too many "presents" on the playroom floor; Spike, the object-possessive rescue who went back to rescue b/c I refused to have an object-possessive dog in my house w/my small children. Relinquishing those dogs was incredibly difficult, but ultimately, my life was better for it. And is the whole reason for pets to make life better?
I don't know what we're going to do yet. Chase knows what is going on--he knows Mom is having a hard time and that something may have to give. We've discussed it. He's not thrilled, but he'll be okay.
Basically, I'm an idiot. I accept this and admit it. I hadn't had a puppy in years. I was seventeen when we got Max. Max was a shih tzu. The difference between a shih tzu puppy (who lives with two other dogs and no little kids) and a golden retriever puppy fairly defies description. Even Baxter--who was nine months old when I got him--I was working full time...I didn't have babies, he was my baby! He probably would have been just as nuts as Sherman if I'd had little kids, but I didn't. And I was working, so I wasn't dealing with him 18 hours a day. Nor was I juggling his needs with the needs of two other little ones. I honestly had no idea at all what I was getting into when we got Sherman. Not. A. Clue. It was stupid. It was naive. And now I'm dealing w/the results of my stupidity and naivete.
Jamie is supportive either way. He would like to try to help out a little more. We're going to do one more week of training when Dad has his knee replaced. It is board and train, so we'll see what a week w/o him is like. Quite honestly it will be my first dogless week in 11 1/2 years. We'll see how it goes...
I want what is best for everyone. I want Sherman in the best possible home for him--where he is exercised, trained, loved, and happy. And I want our home to be a happy home. I don't know if those two things are compatible right now, but I'm working on it.
Bad Mommy
So here's the deal--I'm kind of overwhelmed with the puppy and the toddler. I get now why most rescue groups refuse to adopt out puppies to families w/little ones. I GET IT! I take back everything I said about the crappy rescue groups who wouldn't adopt to us. They know more than my pediatrician and my vet--both of whom thought I'd be fine w/the kids and an exuberant 60lb puppy. SIGH.
If Sherman isn't pulling the bow out of Cassie's hair to eat it, he's attacking Hokey Pokey Elmo, despite the copious amounts of bitter apple sprayed on said Elmo. That means bitter apple is all over my hands and everything I eat tastes like bitter apple, which, while it no longer seems to bother Sherman, bothers the hell out of me. I'm constantly trying to keep Cassie from eating Sherman's bones and Sherman from eating her toys. It's constant.
So here's my dirty little secret. Yesterday Sherman was at school. And I didn't miss him. At all. I played with Cassie, I didn't worry about Sherman spending too much time w/his crate or how I was going to get a walk in or anything. I just played with my daughter and enjoyed my day. In fact--I kept thinking about how great life would be if every day was like yesterday! I feel really very guilty about this. We've spent a small fortune on that dog: training, shots, food, toys, treats, beds, etc. But honestly? I'd give him away tomorrow if I didn't think Jamie would KILL ME b/c of the money spent. It's not that I don't like the dog. I do. I love him. He's a great puppy. He's patient w/the kids (when he isn't trying to play w/them), he's incredibly social, he's relatively well behaved (for a seven month old pup), he clearly adores me. And at night after the kids are in bed, when it's just me and him and he's lying peacefully by my feet--I remember why we got him. The problem is that I feel like my life revolves around my puppy when my life should revolve around my human kids.
I miss Woody. And I don't know how to fix this. I want to fix it but I don't know how to fix it. Mikki asked me if I'd talked to Jamie about it. The Dow is down almost 50% for the year. It's like the last 11 years didn't happen in terms of investing. Since he makes our living selling "the time value of money," I'm not sure he gets (or sympathises AT ALL) how a puppy and toddler and Chase could turn my life upside down. His answer is to throw the dog outside or crate him b/c he's a dog.
I just feel like I'm trying so hard to do so many things and failing at all of them. It's not a good feeling...I just want Sherman to calm down, KWIM? But it's not fair to him to expect a seven month old puppy to behave like a 10 year old dog. I shouldn't get mad at a puppy for being a puppy, so then I get mad at myself for being the arrogant ass who adopted the puppy and naively thought she could handle him, plus the kids. Most days, I don't feel like I can--someone is always getting shortchanged and that's not fair to anyone.
I suck.
If Sherman isn't pulling the bow out of Cassie's hair to eat it, he's attacking Hokey Pokey Elmo, despite the copious amounts of bitter apple sprayed on said Elmo. That means bitter apple is all over my hands and everything I eat tastes like bitter apple, which, while it no longer seems to bother Sherman, bothers the hell out of me. I'm constantly trying to keep Cassie from eating Sherman's bones and Sherman from eating her toys. It's constant.
So here's my dirty little secret. Yesterday Sherman was at school. And I didn't miss him. At all. I played with Cassie, I didn't worry about Sherman spending too much time w/his crate or how I was going to get a walk in or anything. I just played with my daughter and enjoyed my day. In fact--I kept thinking about how great life would be if every day was like yesterday! I feel really very guilty about this. We've spent a small fortune on that dog: training, shots, food, toys, treats, beds, etc. But honestly? I'd give him away tomorrow if I didn't think Jamie would KILL ME b/c of the money spent. It's not that I don't like the dog. I do. I love him. He's a great puppy. He's patient w/the kids (when he isn't trying to play w/them), he's incredibly social, he's relatively well behaved (for a seven month old pup), he clearly adores me. And at night after the kids are in bed, when it's just me and him and he's lying peacefully by my feet--I remember why we got him. The problem is that I feel like my life revolves around my puppy when my life should revolve around my human kids.
I miss Woody. And I don't know how to fix this. I want to fix it but I don't know how to fix it. Mikki asked me if I'd talked to Jamie about it. The Dow is down almost 50% for the year. It's like the last 11 years didn't happen in terms of investing. Since he makes our living selling "the time value of money," I'm not sure he gets (or sympathises AT ALL) how a puppy and toddler and Chase could turn my life upside down. His answer is to throw the dog outside or crate him b/c he's a dog.
I just feel like I'm trying so hard to do so many things and failing at all of them. It's not a good feeling...I just want Sherman to calm down, KWIM? But it's not fair to him to expect a seven month old puppy to behave like a 10 year old dog. I shouldn't get mad at a puppy for being a puppy, so then I get mad at myself for being the arrogant ass who adopted the puppy and naively thought she could handle him, plus the kids. Most days, I don't feel like I can--someone is always getting shortchanged and that's not fair to anyone.
I suck.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
High School
I blatantly stole this from my sister...
Fill this out about your SENIOR year of high school! The longer ago it was, the more fun the answers will be!!
Did you marry someone from your high school?
Nope. Not even close.
Did you carpool?
If you consider being the designated chauffeur carpooling, yes.
What kind of car did you have back then?
I had an '84 Nissan Pulsar. It looked like a doorstop/wedge thing. It was white, with a sunroof. We shared it. I don't ever recall my sister getting me to stick my head out the sunroof so she could squirt me w/the wiper fluid. She wishes. I do remember us BOTH locking our keys in the car at Burger King and my mom having to drive them over to us though...
I almost forgot... the BEST part... our license plate said "4-2DOLS" How precious. Then, when we got our OWN cars... Christi got a little black Mazda sports car, I got a hand-me-down red Chevy Beretta, our license plates said "4-ADOLL" and "4-ADOL2". Man, we were adorable. Yeah--that was from my sister's blog. Told you I copied it. But, there is a crucial edit--I got the black Mazda sports car my junior year of college. I got a red Toyota Celica the day of my senior prom. My sister had already gotten the hand me down Beretta and the Pulsar couldn't make it to Fulton, it would overheat if I drove over 70 on the highway...which was a bit of a problem w/me heading to college in the fall.
What kind of car do you have now?
2008 Toyota Sienna--it's a momobile and I love it.
Its Friday night (in high school)...where are you?
Crusing AMC Movie theater loop on Zumbehl Road, Taco Bell parking lot off Highway 94, or with hundreds of other kids at the house of whatever classmate's parents were dumb enough to go out of town.
Now it's Friday night...where are you?
At home after dinner out (I don't cook on Fridays), putting the kids to bed. Tomorrow night I have a date to see Bolt with my son. I can't remember the last time I saw a movie that wasn't animated in the theatre...
What kind of job did you have in high school?
Well, I lasted half a summer making sweet treats at Fritz's Frozen Custard. I once made a banana split w/o the banana. Seriously. Then I moved on to "cosmetics consultant" at Phar Mor. That was the perfect job for my teenaged self, especially since I could cash my check there and hand a ten to my friend Steve so he could buy my weekend alcohol ($10 STILL buys a lot of Boones Farm--gag).
What do you do now?
Mom/wife/volunteer
Were you a party animal?
Um, no
Were you considered a flirt?
Of course
Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
No. I'm not musical.
Can you sing the fight song?
Oh yes--The black and the gold will see victory tonight. We'll stand and defend and put up a great fight (Go Knights Go). We will defeat the team we call our guests, so all schools will know that Howell North is the best. K-N-I-G-H-T-S. I really am a big dork, aren't I? Mikki--how did you not know there was a fight song? Did you really not remember that?
Who was/were your favorite teacher(s) for High school?
Ms. Baker, Mr. Ricker, Dr. Wescott & Mr. Hogan.
Where did you sit during lunch?
At a table in the commons, usually with Zorro--we always had 4th hour together.
What was your school's full name?
As opposed to its nickname? What a stupid question! Francis Howell North Senior High School
When did you graduate?
I didn't. Just kidding. 1993
What was your school mascot?
Norm the Knight
If you could go back and do it again, would you?
Maybe--I'd like to see what kind of grades I could get if I actually applied myself. But only if I knew then what I know now...
What do you remember most about graduation?
Other than my sister's wardrobe tantrum? I remember doing karoke w/Nina (Mountain Music) at the after party w/Nina.
Who did you take to the senior prom?
I didn't take anyone--I was escorted by Mike Schrader. He was a very nice guy.
Do you still talk to the person you went to Prom with?
Nope.
Are you planning on going to your 50 year reunion?
Going? Hell, I plan the reunions. And if you're reading this and you know me, that doesn't surprise you at all...
Do you still see people from school?
Nina is Cassie's godmother, but otherwise, does Facebooking count?
Fill this out about your SENIOR year of high school! The longer ago it was, the more fun the answers will be!!
Did you marry someone from your high school?
Nope. Not even close.
Did you carpool?
If you consider being the designated chauffeur carpooling, yes.
What kind of car did you have back then?
I had an '84 Nissan Pulsar. It looked like a doorstop/wedge thing. It was white, with a sunroof. We shared it. I don't ever recall my sister getting me to stick my head out the sunroof so she could squirt me w/the wiper fluid. She wishes. I do remember us BOTH locking our keys in the car at Burger King and my mom having to drive them over to us though...
I almost forgot... the BEST part... our license plate said "4-2DOLS" How precious. Then, when we got our OWN cars... Christi got a little black Mazda sports car, I got a hand-me-down red Chevy Beretta, our license plates said "4-ADOLL" and "4-ADOL2". Man, we were adorable. Yeah--that was from my sister's blog. Told you I copied it. But, there is a crucial edit--I got the black Mazda sports car my junior year of college. I got a red Toyota Celica the day of my senior prom. My sister had already gotten the hand me down Beretta and the Pulsar couldn't make it to Fulton, it would overheat if I drove over 70 on the highway...which was a bit of a problem w/me heading to college in the fall.
What kind of car do you have now?
2008 Toyota Sienna--it's a momobile and I love it.
Its Friday night (in high school)...where are you?
Crusing AMC Movie theater loop on Zumbehl Road, Taco Bell parking lot off Highway 94, or with hundreds of other kids at the house of whatever classmate's parents were dumb enough to go out of town.
Now it's Friday night...where are you?
At home after dinner out (I don't cook on Fridays), putting the kids to bed. Tomorrow night I have a date to see Bolt with my son. I can't remember the last time I saw a movie that wasn't animated in the theatre...
What kind of job did you have in high school?
Well, I lasted half a summer making sweet treats at Fritz's Frozen Custard. I once made a banana split w/o the banana. Seriously. Then I moved on to "cosmetics consultant" at Phar Mor. That was the perfect job for my teenaged self, especially since I could cash my check there and hand a ten to my friend Steve so he could buy my weekend alcohol ($10 STILL buys a lot of Boones Farm--gag).
What do you do now?
Mom/wife/volunteer
Were you a party animal?
Um, no
Were you considered a flirt?
Of course
Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
No. I'm not musical.
Can you sing the fight song?
Oh yes--The black and the gold will see victory tonight. We'll stand and defend and put up a great fight (Go Knights Go). We will defeat the team we call our guests, so all schools will know that Howell North is the best. K-N-I-G-H-T-S. I really am a big dork, aren't I? Mikki--how did you not know there was a fight song? Did you really not remember that?
Who was/were your favorite teacher(s) for High school?
Ms. Baker, Mr. Ricker, Dr. Wescott & Mr. Hogan.
Where did you sit during lunch?
At a table in the commons, usually with Zorro--we always had 4th hour together.
What was your school's full name?
As opposed to its nickname? What a stupid question! Francis Howell North Senior High School
When did you graduate?
I didn't. Just kidding. 1993
What was your school mascot?
Norm the Knight
If you could go back and do it again, would you?
Maybe--I'd like to see what kind of grades I could get if I actually applied myself. But only if I knew then what I know now...
What do you remember most about graduation?
Other than my sister's wardrobe tantrum? I remember doing karoke w/Nina (Mountain Music) at the after party w/Nina.
Who did you take to the senior prom?
I didn't take anyone--I was escorted by Mike Schrader. He was a very nice guy.
Do you still talk to the person you went to Prom with?
Nope.
Are you planning on going to your 50 year reunion?
Going? Hell, I plan the reunions. And if you're reading this and you know me, that doesn't surprise you at all...
Do you still see people from school?
Nina is Cassie's godmother, but otherwise, does Facebooking count?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
I'm watching The Factor.
Dear Barney Frank:
The UAW has essentially bankrupted The Big 3. Rather than allowing the government to bailout our automakers and continue to produce inferior products at inflated prices, please let capitalism do its job and allow the free market to function without government intervention. My Toyota was assembled in Indiana. It is a great car! But the UAW wasn't dictating $35/hr wages for the line workers assembling it. Let the damn car companies actually try to be competitive and compete in a global economy without the constraints the unions dictate. The end.
PS--How is an idiot like Barney Frank in Congress while I'm watching The Factor on my couch with garlic bagel chips and hummus? Seriously! Barney Frank = Stupid.
Dear Barney Frank:
The UAW has essentially bankrupted The Big 3. Rather than allowing the government to bailout our automakers and continue to produce inferior products at inflated prices, please let capitalism do its job and allow the free market to function without government intervention. My Toyota was assembled in Indiana. It is a great car! But the UAW wasn't dictating $35/hr wages for the line workers assembling it. Let the damn car companies actually try to be competitive and compete in a global economy without the constraints the unions dictate. The end.
PS--How is an idiot like Barney Frank in Congress while I'm watching The Factor on my couch with garlic bagel chips and hummus? Seriously! Barney Frank = Stupid.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Dinner last night was great, but my chicken was larger than called for, so it wasn't finished in time for me. Jamie loved it when he got home though.
Roasted Chicken and Veggies
1 roasting chicken
1 lb red potatoes (cut into 1" chunks)
2 med onions (cut into 1" chunks)
1 pt cherry tomatoes
Preheat oven to 450. Coat chicken w/Lawry's Seasoning Salt. Roast covered for 30 minutes. Drizzle EVOO over veggies and sprinkle w/salt and pepper. Add to chicken. Roast covered for 30 minutes. Roast uncovered for another 30 minutes.
I'm thinking the 30 minute head start should get the chicken done w/the veggies for you. I tossed the whole chicken in my 4qt crock pot, headed to Chase's school art fair and put the kids to bed. After 1 hr on low and two on high, it was falling apart. Jamie ate the legs w/veggies for dinner and I shredded the rest for dinner tonight.
Mexican Lime Chicken Soup
2 T vegetable oil
1 large red pepper, diced
1 large onion, diced
1 t minced garlic
2 cans mexican style diced tomatoes
2 limes
3 C cooked cubed/chopped chicken
4 14 oz cans chicken stock
1/4 c cilantro
1 seeded & chopped jalepeno pepper
Saute pepper, onion & garlic in oil over med-high heat in large dutch oven. After 3 minutes, add tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken stock, squeeze juice from limes into soup and add lime shells to soup, bring to a boil, then lower heat. Simmer 10 minutes. Add cooked chicken, jalepeno & cilantro. Cook additional 5 minutes or until heated through. Serve w/shredded mexi-blend cheese, sour cream & tortilla chips.
I cooked it earlier while Cass was watching Sesame Street, then put it on low, so it will be ready for dinner. We've got a busy night--Cub Scouts at 6:30pm and I'm hoping for a fill before then if Jamie gets home in time. He's currently picking up his elk and antelope and mule deer meat...IDK why he didn't just have sausage made of it all. We'd have Christmas gifts for everyone on our list instead of looking for freezer space for chunks of elk/antelope/mule deer! ;P
Thank God Jamie caved and we sprung for the king-sized bed. Last night, both kids wound up in bed with us. And Jamie still wound up in Chase's bed--those kids are bed hogs! Cassie almost pushed her brother out of bed, I had to rescue him this morning! But I slept rather well, considering...
Roasted Chicken and Veggies
1 roasting chicken
1 lb red potatoes (cut into 1" chunks)
2 med onions (cut into 1" chunks)
1 pt cherry tomatoes
Preheat oven to 450. Coat chicken w/Lawry's Seasoning Salt. Roast covered for 30 minutes. Drizzle EVOO over veggies and sprinkle w/salt and pepper. Add to chicken. Roast covered for 30 minutes. Roast uncovered for another 30 minutes.
I'm thinking the 30 minute head start should get the chicken done w/the veggies for you. I tossed the whole chicken in my 4qt crock pot, headed to Chase's school art fair and put the kids to bed. After 1 hr on low and two on high, it was falling apart. Jamie ate the legs w/veggies for dinner and I shredded the rest for dinner tonight.
Mexican Lime Chicken Soup
2 T vegetable oil
1 large red pepper, diced
1 large onion, diced
1 t minced garlic
2 cans mexican style diced tomatoes
2 limes
3 C cooked cubed/chopped chicken
4 14 oz cans chicken stock
1/4 c cilantro
1 seeded & chopped jalepeno pepper
Saute pepper, onion & garlic in oil over med-high heat in large dutch oven. After 3 minutes, add tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken stock, squeeze juice from limes into soup and add lime shells to soup, bring to a boil, then lower heat. Simmer 10 minutes. Add cooked chicken, jalepeno & cilantro. Cook additional 5 minutes or until heated through. Serve w/shredded mexi-blend cheese, sour cream & tortilla chips.
I cooked it earlier while Cass was watching Sesame Street, then put it on low, so it will be ready for dinner. We've got a busy night--Cub Scouts at 6:30pm and I'm hoping for a fill before then if Jamie gets home in time. He's currently picking up his elk and antelope and mule deer meat...IDK why he didn't just have sausage made of it all. We'd have Christmas gifts for everyone on our list instead of looking for freezer space for chunks of elk/antelope/mule deer! ;P
Thank God Jamie caved and we sprung for the king-sized bed. Last night, both kids wound up in bed with us. And Jamie still wound up in Chase's bed--those kids are bed hogs! Cassie almost pushed her brother out of bed, I had to rescue him this morning! But I slept rather well, considering...
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
I give...
up my crown as the Queen of the Land of Passive Aggressiva, that is. There are other ladies far more deserving of that title than me. Poof! It is theirs for the taking. This so-called nosy neighbor will stick to doing what she does best: taking care of her precious family.
The weather outside is a bit warmer today, mid-50s. It is the difference between a coat and a cardi and I'll take it! Cass and I took Shermy on his mid-morning walk and he got to play w/his GF Lucy and her neighbor Sadie (choco lab) for half an hour. In addition to his 1/2 hour walk. I'm shooting for another short walk when Chase gets home from school, as he's grounded from the tv (for watching it instead of getting ready for school this morning), so a bike ride will do him good. Perhaps we'll see if his pal Peter can come over for a bit after dinner. I'm trying a new roast chicken recipe w/roasted veggies for dinner and looking forward to the chicken & lime soup I'm making tomorrow night w/the leftovers. I'll post recipes tomorrow if they're worthy. I had Picky McPickypants look at a few cookbooks yesterday and pick out pictures of food he thought he'd like. He'll always eat roast chicken. And so long as there are chips, he should eat the soup tomorrow. Dad is coming over Friday for meatloaf. YAY! I love meatloaf, but Jamie hates it, so I only make it on weekends during hunting season. I'm sure that will be an easy mac night for Chase, though.
I'm off to find links to toys the kids want for Christmas to make the Aunts lives easier this Christmas season...
The weather outside is a bit warmer today, mid-50s. It is the difference between a coat and a cardi and I'll take it! Cass and I took Shermy on his mid-morning walk and he got to play w/his GF Lucy and her neighbor Sadie (choco lab) for half an hour. In addition to his 1/2 hour walk. I'm shooting for another short walk when Chase gets home from school, as he's grounded from the tv (for watching it instead of getting ready for school this morning), so a bike ride will do him good. Perhaps we'll see if his pal Peter can come over for a bit after dinner. I'm trying a new roast chicken recipe w/roasted veggies for dinner and looking forward to the chicken & lime soup I'm making tomorrow night w/the leftovers. I'll post recipes tomorrow if they're worthy. I had Picky McPickypants look at a few cookbooks yesterday and pick out pictures of food he thought he'd like. He'll always eat roast chicken. And so long as there are chips, he should eat the soup tomorrow. Dad is coming over Friday for meatloaf. YAY! I love meatloaf, but Jamie hates it, so I only make it on weekends during hunting season. I'm sure that will be an easy mac night for Chase, though.
I'm off to find links to toys the kids want for Christmas to make the Aunts lives easier this Christmas season...
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Happy Fall
First things first, Cassie climbed into Sherman's cage last night. I think she thought it was time for his time out to be over (yes, Sherman gets time outs too). Or maybe she just missed her BFF. IDK, but it made a darn cute pic!
The other two are the family pics in which Cassie was less than cooperative. They are pics of a pic, so the quality is a bit craptastic, but it's better than nothing...
Enjoy. The resident right wing loon is taking a day off from politics.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Peggy the Moocher beats Joe the Plumber
Fox News fans will recognized this clip of Peggy Joseph (nicknamed Peggy the Moocher by Michelle Malkin): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6ikOxi9yYk
Most of the nation will also recognize Joe Wurzelbacher (Joe the Plumber), who asked Obama about his tax plan and received the now famous "Spread the Wealth" answer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUvwKVvp3-o
Joe the Plumber represents the American Dream. He's a plumber, buying a small business, hoping to join the ranks of the upper middle class in America while providing jobs to other plumbers (less willing to take on the inherent risks of entrepreneurship) and a valuable service to consumers. Despite all the dirt dug up on Joe during the campaign, the fact remains that he is trying to live out the American Dream. He didn't ask President-elect Obama for a thing, except to keep his taxes low enough that his business can thrive. That thriving business is good for Joe's community, good for the state of Ohio, and good for America. The ability to employ others (giving a hand up) and provide a crucial service to consumers while building wealth is what makes America the Land of Opportunity. The government will get its share: Joe will pay taxes, his business will pay taxes and his employees will pay taxes. However, lower taxes will allow Joe's business to grow and thrive and that is good for everyone!
Contrast Joe the Plumber with Peggy the Moocher. Peggy is overjoyed that because she helped President-elect Obama with his campaign (by what, attending a rally?), he's going to help her! Free gas! Free mortgage! Peggy has her hand out waiting for whatever entitlement the government will throw her way. She doesn't care about creating wealth, providing services, or helping other people. Peggy has her hand out shrieking, "ME! ME! ME"
Many Conservatives teased former Presidential candidate John Edwards mercilessly for his claim of "two Americas." I submit to you that there are, indeed, two Americas today. Unlike John Edwards, I do not believe those two Americas are divided by income, I believe our two Americas are divided by those who do (Joe the Plumber) and those who don't (Peggy the Moocher). The one who does doesn't expect the government to support him. Joe the Plumber wants to support himself. He wants to give others the opportunity to support themselves, too. Peggy the Moocher just wants to know what the government is going to give her. She doesn't seem to care where the government is going to get the capital for her free gas or free mortgage, she's just got her hand out and she wants her free stuff now! It's all about Peggy to Peggy.
It is my sincere hope that as a nation, we continue to strive for the American Dream, as symbolized by Joe the Plumber this election year. I fear that dream is disintegrating into an American Nightmare with Peggy the Moocher leading the charge.
Most of the nation will also recognize Joe Wurzelbacher (Joe the Plumber), who asked Obama about his tax plan and received the now famous "Spread the Wealth" answer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUvwKVvp3-o
Joe the Plumber represents the American Dream. He's a plumber, buying a small business, hoping to join the ranks of the upper middle class in America while providing jobs to other plumbers (less willing to take on the inherent risks of entrepreneurship) and a valuable service to consumers. Despite all the dirt dug up on Joe during the campaign, the fact remains that he is trying to live out the American Dream. He didn't ask President-elect Obama for a thing, except to keep his taxes low enough that his business can thrive. That thriving business is good for Joe's community, good for the state of Ohio, and good for America. The ability to employ others (giving a hand up) and provide a crucial service to consumers while building wealth is what makes America the Land of Opportunity. The government will get its share: Joe will pay taxes, his business will pay taxes and his employees will pay taxes. However, lower taxes will allow Joe's business to grow and thrive and that is good for everyone!
Contrast Joe the Plumber with Peggy the Moocher. Peggy is overjoyed that because she helped President-elect Obama with his campaign (by what, attending a rally?), he's going to help her! Free gas! Free mortgage! Peggy has her hand out waiting for whatever entitlement the government will throw her way. She doesn't care about creating wealth, providing services, or helping other people. Peggy has her hand out shrieking, "ME! ME! ME"
Many Conservatives teased former Presidential candidate John Edwards mercilessly for his claim of "two Americas." I submit to you that there are, indeed, two Americas today. Unlike John Edwards, I do not believe those two Americas are divided by income, I believe our two Americas are divided by those who do (Joe the Plumber) and those who don't (Peggy the Moocher). The one who does doesn't expect the government to support him. Joe the Plumber wants to support himself. He wants to give others the opportunity to support themselves, too. Peggy the Moocher just wants to know what the government is going to give her. She doesn't seem to care where the government is going to get the capital for her free gas or free mortgage, she's just got her hand out and she wants her free stuff now! It's all about Peggy to Peggy.
It is my sincere hope that as a nation, we continue to strive for the American Dream, as symbolized by Joe the Plumber this election year. I fear that dream is disintegrating into an American Nightmare with Peggy the Moocher leading the charge.
Friday, November 7, 2008
On the lighter side...
I got these in an email and thought I'd pass them on. I'm begging my sister do #6 to her weatherguy this winter, but I don't see it happening...if it does though, I'll post a You Tube link...
Funny Moms Stories #1:
I walked into a hair salon with my husband and three kids in tow and asked loudly, "How much do you charge for a shampoo and a blow job?" I turned around and walked back out and never went back. My husband didn't say a word... he knew better.
Funny Moms Stories #2:
I was at the golf store comparing different kinds of golf balls. I was unhappy with the women's type I had been using. After browsing for several minutes, I was approached by one of the good-looking gentlemen who works at the store. He asked if he could help me. Without thinking, I looked at him and said, "I think I like playing with men's balls."
Funny Moms Stories #3:
My sister and I were at the mall and passed by a store that sold a variety of candy and nuts.
As we were looking at the display case, the boy behind the counter asked if we needed any help. I replied, "No, I'm just looking at your nuts." My sister started to laugh hysterically. The boy grinned, and I turned beet-red and walked away. To this day, my sister has never let me forget.
Funny Moms Stories #4:
While in line at the bank one afternoon, my toddler decided to release some pent-up energy and ran amok. I was finally able to grab hold of her after receiving looks of disgust and annoyance from other patrons. I told her that if she did not start behaving "right now" she would be punished.
To my horror, she looked me in the eye and said in a voice just as threatening, "If you don't let me go right now, I will tell Grandma that I saw you kissing Daddy's pee-pee last night!" The silence was deafening after this enlightening exchange. Even the tellers stopped what they were doing. I mustered up the last of my dignity and walked out of the bank with my daughter in tow. The last thing I heard as the door closed behind me, were screams of laughter.
Funny Moms Stories #5:
Have you ever asked your child a question too many times? My three-year-old son had a lot of problems with potty training and I was on him constantly. One day we stopped at Taco Bell for a quick lunch in between errands. It was very busy, with a full dining room. While enjoying my taco, I smelled something funny, so of course I checked my seven-month-old daughter, and she was clean. Then I realized that Danny had not asked to go potty in a while.
I asked him if he needed to go, and he said "No".
I kept thinking "Oh Lord, that child has had an accident, and I don't have any clean clothes with me."
Then I said, "Danny, are you SURE you didn't have an accident?" "No," he replied. I just KNEW that he must have had an accident, because the smell was getting worse.
So, I asked one more time, "Danny, did you have an accident?" This time he jumped up, yanked down his pants, bent over, spread his cheeks and yelled "SEE MOM, IT'S JUST FARTS!!"
While 30 people nearly choked to death on their tacos laughing, he calmly pulled up his pants and sat down. An older couple made me feel better, thanking me for the best laugh they'd ever had!
Funny Moms Stories #6
This one had most of the state of Michigan laughing for 2 days and a very embarrassed female news anchor who will, in the future, likely think before she speaks. What happens when you predict snow, but don't get any? We had a female news anchor who,the day after it was supposed to have snowed and didn't, turned to the weatherman and asked:
"So Bob, where's that 8 inches you promised me last night?"
Not only did HE have to leave the set, but half the crew did too, they were laughing so hard!
Funny Moms Stories #1:
I walked into a hair salon with my husband and three kids in tow and asked loudly, "How much do you charge for a shampoo and a blow job?" I turned around and walked back out and never went back. My husband didn't say a word... he knew better.
Funny Moms Stories #2:
I was at the golf store comparing different kinds of golf balls. I was unhappy with the women's type I had been using. After browsing for several minutes, I was approached by one of the good-looking gentlemen who works at the store. He asked if he could help me. Without thinking, I looked at him and said, "I think I like playing with men's balls."
Funny Moms Stories #3:
My sister and I were at the mall and passed by a store that sold a variety of candy and nuts.
As we were looking at the display case, the boy behind the counter asked if we needed any help. I replied, "No, I'm just looking at your nuts." My sister started to laugh hysterically. The boy grinned, and I turned beet-red and walked away. To this day, my sister has never let me forget.
Funny Moms Stories #4:
While in line at the bank one afternoon, my toddler decided to release some pent-up energy and ran amok. I was finally able to grab hold of her after receiving looks of disgust and annoyance from other patrons. I told her that if she did not start behaving "right now" she would be punished.
To my horror, she looked me in the eye and said in a voice just as threatening, "If you don't let me go right now, I will tell Grandma that I saw you kissing Daddy's pee-pee last night!" The silence was deafening after this enlightening exchange. Even the tellers stopped what they were doing. I mustered up the last of my dignity and walked out of the bank with my daughter in tow. The last thing I heard as the door closed behind me, were screams of laughter.
Funny Moms Stories #5:
Have you ever asked your child a question too many times? My three-year-old son had a lot of problems with potty training and I was on him constantly. One day we stopped at Taco Bell for a quick lunch in between errands. It was very busy, with a full dining room. While enjoying my taco, I smelled something funny, so of course I checked my seven-month-old daughter, and she was clean. Then I realized that Danny had not asked to go potty in a while.
I asked him if he needed to go, and he said "No".
I kept thinking "Oh Lord, that child has had an accident, and I don't have any clean clothes with me."
Then I said, "Danny, are you SURE you didn't have an accident?" "No," he replied. I just KNEW that he must have had an accident, because the smell was getting worse.
So, I asked one more time, "Danny, did you have an accident?" This time he jumped up, yanked down his pants, bent over, spread his cheeks and yelled "SEE MOM, IT'S JUST FARTS!!"
While 30 people nearly choked to death on their tacos laughing, he calmly pulled up his pants and sat down. An older couple made me feel better, thanking me for the best laugh they'd ever had!
Funny Moms Stories #6
This one had most of the state of Michigan laughing for 2 days and a very embarrassed female news anchor who will, in the future, likely think before she speaks. What happens when you predict snow, but don't get any? We had a female news anchor who,the day after it was supposed to have snowed and didn't, turned to the weatherman and asked:
"So Bob, where's that 8 inches you promised me last night?"
Not only did HE have to leave the set, but half the crew did too, they were laughing so hard!
Pick a side, any side...
It's not a secret that I enjoy spirited debates on a few different internet message boards. Mostly I tend to debate politics as I learned a long time ago that debating parenting styles is pointless. No one likes to make a better liar out of you than your children!
My writing style has always been a bit inflammatory--that was part of the reason people actually read The Green Owl (my college newspaper) during my tenure as Editor in Chief--you never knew what I was going to say! It was an election year and I was probably the first Republican editor in the paper's history. One of the biggest compliments I recieved at the time was, "When I read your editorials, I can hear you. You write exactly how you speak." As a journalism student, I counted the fact that I could communicate my views that clearly as a tremendous success.
My writing style tends towards the snark and lacks tact. I freely acknowledge this. I am far more of an Ann Coulter or Rush Limbaugh than I am a Thomas Sowell. I am an outspoken, opinionated Conservative. And while I respect your right to disagree with me, if you do disagree with me, you're wrong and I won't hesitate to tell you why. I have no patience at all for the politically correct movement and I refuse to mince words for fear of hurting feelings. In other words, I call it like I see it.
It is this no-holds-barred approach to life (and writing, and debating, and politics) that caused a firestorm on one of the boards I frequent. A few posts ago I brought up the race issue in this election. For the record, I do not believe that Barack Obama was elected POTUS solely because he is black. I have never said that. But to pretend that his race had NOTHING to do with his election to that office is at best denial and at worst sheer lunacy. Howard Stern (yes, THAT Howard Stern) proves my point with this clip (warning--there is an "F-bomb" not 10 seconds into the footage, but it is worth watching nonetheless). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5p3OB6roAg
Naturally, daring to mention the race issue to a bunch of left wing libs caused a huge pile on. I was accused of racism, called a bigot, told I couldn't possibly know that anyone voted for Obama solely based on his skin color (although the clip above shoots that theory down like Palin and a moose). When they couldn't go after the political, the attacks got personal. One group had their panties in such a bunch that they took the flogging to another message board. You know, because nothing says democracy and spirited political debate like making fun of someone behind her back in a place where she can't defend herself. Perhaps it is all going to my head, but I'm starting to think that Ann Coulter may need to watch out...if I can piss off a few desperate housewives to that extent with a few posts on an internet message board, imagine what my book sales could be! Oh, the possibilities...
My writing style has always been a bit inflammatory--that was part of the reason people actually read The Green Owl (my college newspaper) during my tenure as Editor in Chief--you never knew what I was going to say! It was an election year and I was probably the first Republican editor in the paper's history. One of the biggest compliments I recieved at the time was, "When I read your editorials, I can hear you. You write exactly how you speak." As a journalism student, I counted the fact that I could communicate my views that clearly as a tremendous success.
My writing style tends towards the snark and lacks tact. I freely acknowledge this. I am far more of an Ann Coulter or Rush Limbaugh than I am a Thomas Sowell. I am an outspoken, opinionated Conservative. And while I respect your right to disagree with me, if you do disagree with me, you're wrong and I won't hesitate to tell you why. I have no patience at all for the politically correct movement and I refuse to mince words for fear of hurting feelings. In other words, I call it like I see it.
It is this no-holds-barred approach to life (and writing, and debating, and politics) that caused a firestorm on one of the boards I frequent. A few posts ago I brought up the race issue in this election. For the record, I do not believe that Barack Obama was elected POTUS solely because he is black. I have never said that. But to pretend that his race had NOTHING to do with his election to that office is at best denial and at worst sheer lunacy. Howard Stern (yes, THAT Howard Stern) proves my point with this clip (warning--there is an "F-bomb" not 10 seconds into the footage, but it is worth watching nonetheless). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5p3OB6roAg
Naturally, daring to mention the race issue to a bunch of left wing libs caused a huge pile on. I was accused of racism, called a bigot, told I couldn't possibly know that anyone voted for Obama solely based on his skin color (although the clip above shoots that theory down like Palin and a moose). When they couldn't go after the political, the attacks got personal. One group had their panties in such a bunch that they took the flogging to another message board. You know, because nothing says democracy and spirited political debate like making fun of someone behind her back in a place where she can't defend herself. Perhaps it is all going to my head, but I'm starting to think that Ann Coulter may need to watch out...if I can piss off a few desperate housewives to that extent with a few posts on an internet message board, imagine what my book sales could be! Oh, the possibilities...
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Sick Day
So Chase got a sick day today. He woke up complaining of a sore throat and felt a little warm, so I kept him home and took him to the ped for a strep test. It's not strep and he'll be back at school tomorrow.
I continue to be impressed by my fellow conservatives and the spirit of unity that they're displaying. Would that the left displayed such dignity following the elections in 2000 and 2004...last night Karl Rove expressed his support for President-elect Obama on three Fox News shows (O'Reilly, Hannity and Colmes, and Greta). This afternoon, Glenn Beck also announced his support for our new President-elect. I'm truly proud of my party for reaching across the aisle and doing what is best for our country, despite Obama's appointment of no less than a far-left, partisan attack dog (I can't call Rahm Emanuel a pit bull, that's an insult to both Baxter and Ruthie) as his Chief of Staff. Say what you will about Karl Rove, but to my knowledge, he never mailed a dead fish to someone who pissed him off. Rahm Emanuel did. And that is Barack Obama's new Chief of Staff. Yeah--I'm not really feeling much HOPE about the CHANGE that is coming...
I recieved the following quote in an email today:
"The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of 'liberalism,' they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened." - Norman Thomas, U.S. Socialist Party presidential candidate 1940, 1944 and 1948
Goldberg also uses this quote in Liberal Fascism. I fear this is where our country is headed. While debating online today, someone commented that because the US is the only remaining Superpower, naturally Germany, France, and Canada have a vested interest (and opinion) in our national leadership. It was the perfect opportunity to point out that indeed those nations are NOT Superpowers, but they are examples of governments/societies with the exact sort of socialist model liberals want to see in America. And they're NOT Superpowers. Imagine that. The last socialist Superpower was the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics). Those of us who lived through it (and students of history) know that the USSR collapsed because Ronald Reagan outspent them (and basically pushed them into bankruptcy) on defense. You can't support your entire population while also defending yourself against external threats. Something has to give. The Soviet Union collapsed under the financial strain.
The Dow is down over 800 points since yesterday. While some of this can be contributed to horrible retail sales in October and lower than expected corporate earnings reports, some of the sell off can also be attributed to fear that Obama will raise the capital gains tax. In the best of circumstances, raising taxes does not stimulate the economy. Raising taxes in the midst of a financial crisis could spell disaster for us all.
I'm hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst...
I continue to be impressed by my fellow conservatives and the spirit of unity that they're displaying. Would that the left displayed such dignity following the elections in 2000 and 2004...last night Karl Rove expressed his support for President-elect Obama on three Fox News shows (O'Reilly, Hannity and Colmes, and Greta). This afternoon, Glenn Beck also announced his support for our new President-elect. I'm truly proud of my party for reaching across the aisle and doing what is best for our country, despite Obama's appointment of no less than a far-left, partisan attack dog (I can't call Rahm Emanuel a pit bull, that's an insult to both Baxter and Ruthie) as his Chief of Staff. Say what you will about Karl Rove, but to my knowledge, he never mailed a dead fish to someone who pissed him off. Rahm Emanuel did. And that is Barack Obama's new Chief of Staff. Yeah--I'm not really feeling much HOPE about the CHANGE that is coming...
I recieved the following quote in an email today:
"The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of 'liberalism,' they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened." - Norman Thomas, U.S. Socialist Party presidential candidate 1940, 1944 and 1948
Goldberg also uses this quote in Liberal Fascism. I fear this is where our country is headed. While debating online today, someone commented that because the US is the only remaining Superpower, naturally Germany, France, and Canada have a vested interest (and opinion) in our national leadership. It was the perfect opportunity to point out that indeed those nations are NOT Superpowers, but they are examples of governments/societies with the exact sort of socialist model liberals want to see in America. And they're NOT Superpowers. Imagine that. The last socialist Superpower was the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics). Those of us who lived through it (and students of history) know that the USSR collapsed because Ronald Reagan outspent them (and basically pushed them into bankruptcy) on defense. You can't support your entire population while also defending yourself against external threats. Something has to give. The Soviet Union collapsed under the financial strain.
The Dow is down over 800 points since yesterday. While some of this can be contributed to horrible retail sales in October and lower than expected corporate earnings reports, some of the sell off can also be attributed to fear that Obama will raise the capital gains tax. In the best of circumstances, raising taxes does not stimulate the economy. Raising taxes in the midst of a financial crisis could spell disaster for us all.
I'm hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst...
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
As usual, Conservatives do it with class...
And while I hate to lose, at least we're gracious losers. While I'm sure Barack Obama will get all the credit for "healing the nation" after the "horrible" Bush Presidency, I have to say how proud I am of my fellow Conservatives. Unless you live in Oklahoma, Republicans lost last night and we lost big.
We could take a page from the behavior of liberals/Democrats in 2000 and 2004 and continue the divide that plagued this country for almost a decade. Instead, I see Republicans stating that they will support President-elect Obama and RESPECTFULLY disagree with him. Watching O'Reilly with Chase this evening, I pointed out Malia and Sasha Obama on stage with their parents last night and told him that Sasha is about his age. We talked about how it is possible to respectfully disagree with policy without personally insulting the person. We also talked about how Chase should ask himself how he would feel if someone said something about HIS father before he said it about Barack Obama.
I find it incredibly ironic that the biggest Bush bomb throwers are the ones screaming the loudest now for unity and coming together. Unlike their behavior over the last eight years, we conservatives will put our Country First and support our President because it is the right thing to do.
We could take a page from the behavior of liberals/Democrats in 2000 and 2004 and continue the divide that plagued this country for almost a decade. Instead, I see Republicans stating that they will support President-elect Obama and RESPECTFULLY disagree with him. Watching O'Reilly with Chase this evening, I pointed out Malia and Sasha Obama on stage with their parents last night and told him that Sasha is about his age. We talked about how it is possible to respectfully disagree with policy without personally insulting the person. We also talked about how Chase should ask himself how he would feel if someone said something about HIS father before he said it about Barack Obama.
I find it incredibly ironic that the biggest Bush bomb throwers are the ones screaming the loudest now for unity and coming together. Unlike their behavior over the last eight years, we conservatives will put our Country First and support our President because it is the right thing to do.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
My fellow Americans...
Really? Did you really just elect the most liberal Senator in Congress to the highest office in the land? A man whose spent his entire Senate career campaigning for President and has absolutely no zero executive experience? This is the man who will protect our nation from terrorists? SERIOUSLY?
I had a little election results wake tonight. There were eight adults (seven of whom voted for McCain, btw) and 11 children (all of whom favored McCain). While picking up the pizzas ($5 Little Greasers, b/c by God if my taxes are going up, I'm going to start saving now), I bemoaned the current state of the election to the man waiting on me. He was middle aged and I'm quite sure he was the manager. I said I thought it was the first time voters who put Obama over the top (you know, the youngsters who don't pay real taxes) and he agreed. He said one of his employees came in and proudly announced her vote for Obama. He replied, "Good. You'll be the first I lay off when his economic policies cause the economy to go to hell in a handbasket." No kidding. We both laughed and he comped me a pepperoni pizza.
I knew this would happen, but I really didn't expect to feel so sad and so disappointed in my fellow Americans. I haven't felt this crappy about politics since 41 lost in '92. I'm just sad. And scared. Because I don't trust his "civilian" army, I don't trust the fairness doctrine, and I don't trust him leading our armed forces (neither do they, btw, which is why they voted overwhemingly in favor of McCain). Not to mention his socialist economic policies.
My dad said that those who voted for him will get what they want. Unfortunately, so will those of us who didn't...
I had a little election results wake tonight. There were eight adults (seven of whom voted for McCain, btw) and 11 children (all of whom favored McCain). While picking up the pizzas ($5 Little Greasers, b/c by God if my taxes are going up, I'm going to start saving now), I bemoaned the current state of the election to the man waiting on me. He was middle aged and I'm quite sure he was the manager. I said I thought it was the first time voters who put Obama over the top (you know, the youngsters who don't pay real taxes) and he agreed. He said one of his employees came in and proudly announced her vote for Obama. He replied, "Good. You'll be the first I lay off when his economic policies cause the economy to go to hell in a handbasket." No kidding. We both laughed and he comped me a pepperoni pizza.
I knew this would happen, but I really didn't expect to feel so sad and so disappointed in my fellow Americans. I haven't felt this crappy about politics since 41 lost in '92. I'm just sad. And scared. Because I don't trust his "civilian" army, I don't trust the fairness doctrine, and I don't trust him leading our armed forces (neither do they, btw, which is why they voted overwhemingly in favor of McCain). Not to mention his socialist economic policies.
My dad said that those who voted for him will get what they want. Unfortunately, so will those of us who didn't...
http://www.drudgereport.com/ Check out the two top links on the page--they have video of the guy w/the billy club...
Obviously they're not stumping for McCain...anyone want to discuss?
Am I the only one appalled by the glaring double standard in race relations? If 95% of white Americans voted for John McCain b/c of the color of his skin, that would be blatantly racist. Even if it was one of many reasons they voted for him. Yet an estimated 95% of black Americans are voting for Barack Obama largely b/c he's black. And that's not racist? How is that not racist?
It probably goes w/o saying that I think the voter intimidation in Philly is a bunch of crap--but why hasn't Obama himself denounced it? He's staying silent about it, just like he stayed silent in the pews of Jeremiah Wright's church for 20 years...
MLK wanted a world where no one was judged on the color of his/her skin--I don't think he would have wanted a black man elected to our nation's highest office like this...
Thoughts?
Obviously they're not stumping for McCain...anyone want to discuss?
Am I the only one appalled by the glaring double standard in race relations? If 95% of white Americans voted for John McCain b/c of the color of his skin, that would be blatantly racist. Even if it was one of many reasons they voted for him. Yet an estimated 95% of black Americans are voting for Barack Obama largely b/c he's black. And that's not racist? How is that not racist?
It probably goes w/o saying that I think the voter intimidation in Philly is a bunch of crap--but why hasn't Obama himself denounced it? He's staying silent about it, just like he stayed silent in the pews of Jeremiah Wright's church for 20 years...
MLK wanted a world where no one was judged on the color of his/her skin--I don't think he would have wanted a black man elected to our nation's highest office like this...
Thoughts?
Monday, November 3, 2008
It is Election Eve
And while I'd prefer a month of fighting over hanging chads to President Obama, I've more or less resigned myself to the fact that the majority of the electorate has swallowed the "change" kool aid and will tomorrow elect a President whose values are far more in line with Western Europe's socialist entitlements than your typical Red State land of opportunity values. Taxes will go up, government will get bigger, businesses will suffer (due to increased taxation) and pass their sufferings on to consumers, further tanking the economy, which will result in even higher taxes and more government programs until we the people come to our senses and realize that more government is not the answer.
Jamie and I are looking at the bright side of this Obamanation--if his tax plans go through, the only place to really tax-shelter retirement funds will be in life insurance policies. So that's good for Jamie's business, which is good for us, so long as we keep our household income under 250K, or wait--didn't Biden say 150K, oh, hold on, last I heard it was 120K, and then 60K...yeah, I'm pretty sure that "middle class tax cut" isn't going to cut it for us...but hey, the life insurance biz should be booming, provided those Western European policies don't result in Western European unemployment rates...
Jamie and I are looking at the bright side of this Obamanation--if his tax plans go through, the only place to really tax-shelter retirement funds will be in life insurance policies. So that's good for Jamie's business, which is good for us, so long as we keep our household income under 250K, or wait--didn't Biden say 150K, oh, hold on, last I heard it was 120K, and then 60K...yeah, I'm pretty sure that "middle class tax cut" isn't going to cut it for us...but hey, the life insurance biz should be booming, provided those Western European policies don't result in Western European unemployment rates...
Saturday, November 1, 2008
I'm watching Barack Obama speak...
and somehow, even managing to choke down lunch (although it really wants to come back up).
I'm going to ask a varient of the famous question Ronald Reagan asked Americans in 1980. Are you better off now than you were eight years ago? Or even four years ago? Despite the recent stock market volitility, we are. We have more equity in our home, our diversified investments are hanging in there, and we're doing okay. The economy is a cycle and in order to have up times, there are inevitable downtimes. I've blogged ad nauseum about how the "life should be fair" policies of Democrats caused this particular downturn by forcing lenders to give to unqualified borrowers. Is giving them control of the Legislative and Executive branches of government really the solution? They caused this problem, do you really trust them to solve it?
I believe in capitalism. I believe that the economy will recover if government gets out of its way. Moreover, I don't understand how taking away capital (through higher taxation) from those who create wealth, who create jobs, who create opportunities for others and giving it to others (who don't create wealth, jobs or opportunities for others) is going to stimulate the economy. Take the capital gains tax...Jamie and I often talk of building our dream home on acreage not far from here. But paying a 28% capital gains tax on the sale of this house might be motivation enough to stay put. We love the neighborhood, the house meets our needs and considering everything we've done (and plan to do) to it, that 28% is going to hurt! Building a new house, selling this one--that is exactly the sort of stimulation the economy needs that would be suffocated by increased taxes. Obama isn't telling the truth--first it was higher taxes if you make more than $250K, then $150K, then (courtesy of Biden)$120K. Now, videotape of Obama surfaces and he's saying $80K. The fact of the matter is--no one knows at what income level Obama will raise taxes, but he's going to raise them. He's admitted as much! Herbert Hoover raised taxes--his tax increase has been noted as the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back on a struggling economy and kicked off the Great Depression. Do we really need another Great Depression? Even an economist stumping for Obama on Fox News last week admitted that raising taxes in the current economy would be disasterous.
Last night Janine Turner was on O'Reilly talking about why she's voting for McCain and her response was similar to what I've been saying for months: as a mother, her greatest priority is the safety of her children. Terrorism is still a very real threat, and a leader who takes a stand and won't bow down to our enemies is what this country needs. So much lip service has been paid to change. We haven't had a major terrorist attack since I was pregnant with Chase. Given Bush's record on National Security, we don't need change. We need to stay the course, remain hawkish on defense, and fight our enemies on their turf, not ours.
National polls show the race tightening, but I'm not sure the electorate will come to its senses by Tuesday. If not, I wish it were only the Obama supporters who will reap what they've sown. Unfortunately, it will probably hurt those of us smart enough not to vote for him in the first place the most.
I'm going to ask a varient of the famous question Ronald Reagan asked Americans in 1980. Are you better off now than you were eight years ago? Or even four years ago? Despite the recent stock market volitility, we are. We have more equity in our home, our diversified investments are hanging in there, and we're doing okay. The economy is a cycle and in order to have up times, there are inevitable downtimes. I've blogged ad nauseum about how the "life should be fair" policies of Democrats caused this particular downturn by forcing lenders to give to unqualified borrowers. Is giving them control of the Legislative and Executive branches of government really the solution? They caused this problem, do you really trust them to solve it?
I believe in capitalism. I believe that the economy will recover if government gets out of its way. Moreover, I don't understand how taking away capital (through higher taxation) from those who create wealth, who create jobs, who create opportunities for others and giving it to others (who don't create wealth, jobs or opportunities for others) is going to stimulate the economy. Take the capital gains tax...Jamie and I often talk of building our dream home on acreage not far from here. But paying a 28% capital gains tax on the sale of this house might be motivation enough to stay put. We love the neighborhood, the house meets our needs and considering everything we've done (and plan to do) to it, that 28% is going to hurt! Building a new house, selling this one--that is exactly the sort of stimulation the economy needs that would be suffocated by increased taxes. Obama isn't telling the truth--first it was higher taxes if you make more than $250K, then $150K, then (courtesy of Biden)$120K. Now, videotape of Obama surfaces and he's saying $80K. The fact of the matter is--no one knows at what income level Obama will raise taxes, but he's going to raise them. He's admitted as much! Herbert Hoover raised taxes--his tax increase has been noted as the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back on a struggling economy and kicked off the Great Depression. Do we really need another Great Depression? Even an economist stumping for Obama on Fox News last week admitted that raising taxes in the current economy would be disasterous.
Last night Janine Turner was on O'Reilly talking about why she's voting for McCain and her response was similar to what I've been saying for months: as a mother, her greatest priority is the safety of her children. Terrorism is still a very real threat, and a leader who takes a stand and won't bow down to our enemies is what this country needs. So much lip service has been paid to change. We haven't had a major terrorist attack since I was pregnant with Chase. Given Bush's record on National Security, we don't need change. We need to stay the course, remain hawkish on defense, and fight our enemies on their turf, not ours.
National polls show the race tightening, but I'm not sure the electorate will come to its senses by Tuesday. If not, I wish it were only the Obama supporters who will reap what they've sown. Unfortunately, it will probably hurt those of us smart enough not to vote for him in the first place the most.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!
This may be the first year that Jamie wasn't horrified by trick or treating w/me, because I didn't dress up! It was too hot for the football uniform and I didn't want to deal with juggling the kids/dog in football pads.
Chase made out like a bandit. We met up with his friend Peter (who didn't come over the other night b/c he's been sick) and trick or treated with his family for a while. The firefighters and police were all over the neighborhood in their ladder truck and Hummer handing out candy, the weather was beautiful, and it was our best Halloween yet!
Victoria Jackson is stumping for McCain on O'Reilly and she just called Obama a communist. It's kind of hard to take her seriously with that voice...but her comparision to 1984 with Obama all over the media completely cracked me up. Janine Turner is a little less nuts and a little more credible, I think...
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Little Comedians
So I think Jamie and I are going to break down and buy a king sized bed. We HATE our current bed (Select Comfort--I swear it's really a $20 air mattress) and since the kids wind up in there w/us more nights than not these days, we're feeling the squeeze in the queen. Just doing our part to help the economy. ;)
The reason for the title is that the kids are cracking me up. Cassie does this thing where she opens her mouth wide like a little baby bird when she wants some of what you're eating. Chase was just eating candy from school and since Cassie can't have Sour Patch Kids, she just sat there opening her mouth like a little bird whilst he stuffed himself full of sugar. Hrm, it was funnier than it sounds.
I think we're off to walk Sherman and see if his BFF Lennox is out. If Jamie is late coming home tonight, I may see if Chase's friend Peter would like to come play after dinner. We have our first Cub Scout field trip tomorrow night (fire station) and then Friday is trick or treating. Woo hoo! I'm still battling a sinus infection and will be glad when the constant headache is gone.
The reason for the title is that the kids are cracking me up. Cassie does this thing where she opens her mouth wide like a little baby bird when she wants some of what you're eating. Chase was just eating candy from school and since Cassie can't have Sour Patch Kids, she just sat there opening her mouth like a little bird whilst he stuffed himself full of sugar. Hrm, it was funnier than it sounds.
I think we're off to walk Sherman and see if his BFF Lennox is out. If Jamie is late coming home tonight, I may see if Chase's friend Peter would like to come play after dinner. We have our first Cub Scout field trip tomorrow night (fire station) and then Friday is trick or treating. Woo hoo! I'm still battling a sinus infection and will be glad when the constant headache is gone.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
So my sister and I had an interesting conversation this morning while I (unsuccessfully) coat shopped for Cassie. She may just be one of the few members of the MSM who isn't employed by Fox News and isn't a left-wing nut job. I'm so proud. She gets it.
I'm a little fuzzy-brained today, I've got a wicked cold. I'm really trying to suck it up and muddle through, but it's hard when you can't eat b/c drainage is taking the place of meals. Gross? Tell me about it.
So I'll leave you with Jamie's joyous news: he got a monster elk (waaaay bigger than Elvis, his current elk) and a mule deer last week in Colorado. Apparently they were both in the field (he got lucky). He shot the elk, then turned and shot the deer. Yes, he IS a walking advertisement for the NRA. Add those two antlered monstrosities to the pronghorn antelope he got in Wyoming a few weeks ago and I'm not quite sure where all the new "trophies" are going to go...
I'm a little fuzzy-brained today, I've got a wicked cold. I'm really trying to suck it up and muddle through, but it's hard when you can't eat b/c drainage is taking the place of meals. Gross? Tell me about it.
So I'll leave you with Jamie's joyous news: he got a monster elk (waaaay bigger than Elvis, his current elk) and a mule deer last week in Colorado. Apparently they were both in the field (he got lucky). He shot the elk, then turned and shot the deer. Yes, he IS a walking advertisement for the NRA. Add those two antlered monstrosities to the pronghorn antelope he got in Wyoming a few weeks ago and I'm not quite sure where all the new "trophies" are going to go...
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The End is Near
I'm convinced the apocalypse is near. Tonight I had to get a sitter for the kids b/c I had bunco and it's shootin' time for Jamie. We have a teenaged sitter (she's fabulous) who we've used since Chase was a baby. Tonight Chase was perfect. Cassie was AWFUL. She cried pretty much the entire time I was gone. I don't know who I feel worse for, my daughter or my sitter...
Sherman really is the best behaved of my brood...do you think it is the cage or the pinch collar?
PS--Her ears are fine. I can't explain why she didn't sleep last night, but it wasn't her ears...Mama needs a vacation. Va-ca-tion.
Sherman really is the best behaved of my brood...do you think it is the cage or the pinch collar?
PS--Her ears are fine. I can't explain why she didn't sleep last night, but it wasn't her ears...Mama needs a vacation. Va-ca-tion.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Quick Update: kids and politics!
Kids first: Cassie's ear infection doesn't appear to be improving. We've got an appt. w/our ped tomorrow--I'm sure she'll get another round of antibiotics. Thank God she likes Amoxicillian, unlike her big brother. Giving meds is so much easier when they are willingly taken (as opposed to force-fed). She's quite happily polishing off the pasta and veggies from my bowl of minestrone right now and will go down for her nap shortly.
Chase is still too smart for his own good and mine. He had a playdate w/a neighborhood friend last night. We walked over to get the friend and walked him home. That's an easy way to get a few walkies for Sherman in. ;) I picked up his Halloween costume this morning--he's going to be Obi Wan Kenobi. Since the baby Yoda costumes are all sold out, I think I may wind up dressing Cassie in her Tigers cheerleader outfit and wearing my dad's old football uniform and the two of us can be a cheerleader & football player. I'd love for Jamie to be Darth Vader...we'll see. I picked up a t-shirt for Sherman this afternoon--I figure we'll take him trick or treating w/us. Woody was always "Snoopy the Flying Ace" w/a pleather bomber jacket for Halloween. I doubt this shirt will fit Sherman after this year, but he's going to be the cutest little athlete doggie ever...
For the politics thing, I'm copying an email I got. Yes, it's lazy but it's also relevant and sums up my feelings well! Enjoy!
Wise Words.
During this political season let us be reminded of these words:-
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.-
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.-
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.-
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wagepayer down.-
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.-
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and
independence.-
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them, what they could and
should do for themselves.
The above was credited to Abe Lincoln. Apparently he's the anti-Obama. ;)
Seriously though, as I plow through Liberal Fascism, I'm starting to realize that like everything else in life, politics is a cycle. And with the fall of the Soviet Union now 20 years in our history, I realize that many of those who are most gung-ho for Obama don't remember the communist-bloc countries. They simply can not grasp that socialism has already failed numerous time throughout history. Our own country's "experiments" with socialism are failures. Look at the social security system, arguably Roosevelt's crown jewel of the New Deal. Generations of people neglected their own retirement savings expecting the government to support them in old age. So much for accountability and personal responsibility. The system is a shambles and the baby boomers will undoubtably bankrupt Social Security. Yet according to Gallup, 52% of Americans want to elect a man running on a Robin Hood platform promising MORE government entitlement programs. Sure, he calls them "tax cuts" but research into his so-called "tax cuts" reveals them for the entitlement programs that they are. And as Hawaii axes it's universal heath care program after a mere seven months b/c the costs spiraled out of conotrol, we're going to elect a man promising universal health care on a national level. Fabulous. Because the US Government has such a strong history as responsible stewards of our tax dollars.
I've steeled myself for the inevitable four years of an Obama presidency. The fact of the matter is, even the biggest morons over age 18 in this country can vote--and I guarantee those morons are voting for Obama. The general mood of the country is a sense of frustration with the Republicans. And even though Democrats have had control of Congress for two years, their blame Bush tactics are working. So I'm trying to be optimistic. I figure after four years of Pelosi, Reed, and Obama, in 2012, we'll see a Republican Revolution similar to what we saw in 1994. And that is the only silver lining I see to four years of higher taxes, more ridiculous entitlement programs for those who won't do for themselves, and craptastic national security. We survived the 30s and that "experiment" with socialism. God-willing, we'll survive the next four years, too.
Chase is still too smart for his own good and mine. He had a playdate w/a neighborhood friend last night. We walked over to get the friend and walked him home. That's an easy way to get a few walkies for Sherman in. ;) I picked up his Halloween costume this morning--he's going to be Obi Wan Kenobi. Since the baby Yoda costumes are all sold out, I think I may wind up dressing Cassie in her Tigers cheerleader outfit and wearing my dad's old football uniform and the two of us can be a cheerleader & football player. I'd love for Jamie to be Darth Vader...we'll see. I picked up a t-shirt for Sherman this afternoon--I figure we'll take him trick or treating w/us. Woody was always "Snoopy the Flying Ace" w/a pleather bomber jacket for Halloween. I doubt this shirt will fit Sherman after this year, but he's going to be the cutest little athlete doggie ever...
For the politics thing, I'm copying an email I got. Yes, it's lazy but it's also relevant and sums up my feelings well! Enjoy!
Wise Words.
During this political season let us be reminded of these words:-
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.-
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.-
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.-
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wagepayer down.-
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.-
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and
independence.-
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them, what they could and
should do for themselves.
The above was credited to Abe Lincoln. Apparently he's the anti-Obama. ;)
Seriously though, as I plow through Liberal Fascism, I'm starting to realize that like everything else in life, politics is a cycle. And with the fall of the Soviet Union now 20 years in our history, I realize that many of those who are most gung-ho for Obama don't remember the communist-bloc countries. They simply can not grasp that socialism has already failed numerous time throughout history. Our own country's "experiments" with socialism are failures. Look at the social security system, arguably Roosevelt's crown jewel of the New Deal. Generations of people neglected their own retirement savings expecting the government to support them in old age. So much for accountability and personal responsibility. The system is a shambles and the baby boomers will undoubtably bankrupt Social Security. Yet according to Gallup, 52% of Americans want to elect a man running on a Robin Hood platform promising MORE government entitlement programs. Sure, he calls them "tax cuts" but research into his so-called "tax cuts" reveals them for the entitlement programs that they are. And as Hawaii axes it's universal heath care program after a mere seven months b/c the costs spiraled out of conotrol, we're going to elect a man promising universal health care on a national level. Fabulous. Because the US Government has such a strong history as responsible stewards of our tax dollars.
I've steeled myself for the inevitable four years of an Obama presidency. The fact of the matter is, even the biggest morons over age 18 in this country can vote--and I guarantee those morons are voting for Obama. The general mood of the country is a sense of frustration with the Republicans. And even though Democrats have had control of Congress for two years, their blame Bush tactics are working. So I'm trying to be optimistic. I figure after four years of Pelosi, Reed, and Obama, in 2012, we'll see a Republican Revolution similar to what we saw in 1994. And that is the only silver lining I see to four years of higher taxes, more ridiculous entitlement programs for those who won't do for themselves, and craptastic national security. We survived the 30s and that "experiment" with socialism. God-willing, we'll survive the next four years, too.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Kids instead of politics
So as I watch my daughter destroy the playroom (hey--that's why we have it), I thought I'd post the pics I took of her this week. She's playing with all the musical stuff and dancing. She cracks me up.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Why "PROGRESSIVE" really means socialist and how socialism is related to fascism.
I'm currently reading "Liberal Fascism" by Jonah Goldberg. I'm about a quarter of the way through it and I have to say, it's the history lesson I didn't learn in college or through any of my American government classes. I highly recommend reading it, although I have to tell you, it makes the idea of "President Obama" even more repulsive.
Bottom line--Barack Obama is a progressive. He is a socialist. Barack Obama is a fascist. Goldberg disagrees, but I think Goldberg is wrong. And here's why: Barack Obama believes in income redistribution. This means he wants to take money away from some taxpayers to give it to others as he (and the ridiculously liberal Congress) see fit. Previously, this was called welfare. Obama calls it a tax break, which is absolutely brilliant marketing. But it is no tax break, my friends. It's welfare. And he wants to take YOUR money to create it. Obama wants the federal government (the state) involved in every aspect of our lives: gun control, nationalized health care, welfare, state-funded abortions...the list goes on and on and on. The fascism (vs. socialism) comes into play b/c of Obama's nationalist tendencies. What distinguished fascism from ordinary socialism or Marxism is the nationalist aspect of fascism. I believe Obama's black pride (as evidenced by his long association w/Jeremiah Wright) is what makes him a fascist, as opposed to your garden variety socialist or Marxist.
While fascism has been the term the left has used for years to describe people they disagree with on the right, in reality, fascism is a leftist political leaning. It took on a negative connotation because of the violence and militarism associated with it through Nazi Germany, but in reality, fascism and it's insertation of the state into every aspect of life is the epitome of the left, not the right (and our calls for laissez faire economics and a small federal government).
The great Ronald Reagan once said that the scariest words in the English language are, "I'm from the federal government and I'm here to help." Barack Obama wants the federal government to help us all, whether we want their help or not. Barack Obama wants Congress to determine what kind of gun you hunt with. Barack Obama wants your tax dollars to fund abortions (including partial birth abortions). Barack Obama wants the federal government to "fix" our health care system (as if they've done anything but a deplorable job with veterans' health care). Barack Obama thinks the state can run your life better than you.
Given the current state of the economy, and the fact that Obama's looney leftest libs on the Hill Barney Frank and Chris Dodd are responsible in large part for this mess, do you really think that MORE government intervention is the answer?
Bottom line--Barack Obama is a progressive. He is a socialist. Barack Obama is a fascist. Goldberg disagrees, but I think Goldberg is wrong. And here's why: Barack Obama believes in income redistribution. This means he wants to take money away from some taxpayers to give it to others as he (and the ridiculously liberal Congress) see fit. Previously, this was called welfare. Obama calls it a tax break, which is absolutely brilliant marketing. But it is no tax break, my friends. It's welfare. And he wants to take YOUR money to create it. Obama wants the federal government (the state) involved in every aspect of our lives: gun control, nationalized health care, welfare, state-funded abortions...the list goes on and on and on. The fascism (vs. socialism) comes into play b/c of Obama's nationalist tendencies. What distinguished fascism from ordinary socialism or Marxism is the nationalist aspect of fascism. I believe Obama's black pride (as evidenced by his long association w/Jeremiah Wright) is what makes him a fascist, as opposed to your garden variety socialist or Marxist.
While fascism has been the term the left has used for years to describe people they disagree with on the right, in reality, fascism is a leftist political leaning. It took on a negative connotation because of the violence and militarism associated with it through Nazi Germany, but in reality, fascism and it's insertation of the state into every aspect of life is the epitome of the left, not the right (and our calls for laissez faire economics and a small federal government).
The great Ronald Reagan once said that the scariest words in the English language are, "I'm from the federal government and I'm here to help." Barack Obama wants the federal government to help us all, whether we want their help or not. Barack Obama wants Congress to determine what kind of gun you hunt with. Barack Obama wants your tax dollars to fund abortions (including partial birth abortions). Barack Obama wants the federal government to "fix" our health care system (as if they've done anything but a deplorable job with veterans' health care). Barack Obama thinks the state can run your life better than you.
Given the current state of the economy, and the fact that Obama's looney leftest libs on the Hill Barney Frank and Chris Dodd are responsible in large part for this mess, do you really think that MORE government intervention is the answer?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Dinner tonight
So last night Chase had Easy Mac. He was going to eat baby carrots w/his Easy Mac, but they were rotten (bad mommy). So he got off veggie free. Not tonight. We're having this:
1 butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
1 tablespoon EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 box of bowtie pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
A pinch of nutmeg
A pinch of cinnamon
5 to 6 sage leaves, thinly sliced
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
A handful toasted almonds, to garnish (optional)
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Place squash halves on a baking sheet and drizzle them with 1 tablespoon EVOO, salt and pepper. Place them cut side down and transfer to the oven. Roast until tender, about an hour. Remove from oven and cool.
Once cool enough to handle, scoop the flesh out of the squash and transfer it to a food processor. Process until smooth.
Place a pot of water over high heat for the pasta. Once at a boil, add some salt and the pasta, and cook to al dente according to package directions. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot it was cooked in.
While the pasta water is heating up, place a small skillet over medium-high heat with the butter. Once melted, add the flour and cook about a minute. Whisk in the milk and cook until the liquids come up to a bubble and the sauce thickens, 2-3 minutes. Add the squash puree, nutmeg, cinnamon and sage, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the sauce to the pot with the reserved cooked pasta and toss to coat. Turn everything out into a baking dish and sprinkle the top with both cheeses. Transfer to the oven and bake until the cheese is brown and bubbly, 10-15 minutes.
Garnish casserole with the toasted almonds and serve.
I'm substituting whole wheat rotini for the bowties, but you get the idea. The pureed squash (did that while Cass napped) is yummy! We'll see what the kids (and Jamie) think though. I tried sneaking sweet potatoes into mac and cheese once and Chase totally busted me. That Deceptively Delicious stuff isn't deceptive enough for him. And while he eats a ton of fruit and SOME veggies, I'd like to move beyond raw carrots and broccoli. I suppose this is the silver lining to Cassie's double ear infection--I watched Rachel Ray yesterday while I was rocking her before an early nap.
Laundry calls...
1 butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
1 tablespoon EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 box of bowtie pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
A pinch of nutmeg
A pinch of cinnamon
5 to 6 sage leaves, thinly sliced
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
A handful toasted almonds, to garnish (optional)
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Place squash halves on a baking sheet and drizzle them with 1 tablespoon EVOO, salt and pepper. Place them cut side down and transfer to the oven. Roast until tender, about an hour. Remove from oven and cool.
Once cool enough to handle, scoop the flesh out of the squash and transfer it to a food processor. Process until smooth.
Place a pot of water over high heat for the pasta. Once at a boil, add some salt and the pasta, and cook to al dente according to package directions. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot it was cooked in.
While the pasta water is heating up, place a small skillet over medium-high heat with the butter. Once melted, add the flour and cook about a minute. Whisk in the milk and cook until the liquids come up to a bubble and the sauce thickens, 2-3 minutes. Add the squash puree, nutmeg, cinnamon and sage, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the sauce to the pot with the reserved cooked pasta and toss to coat. Turn everything out into a baking dish and sprinkle the top with both cheeses. Transfer to the oven and bake until the cheese is brown and bubbly, 10-15 minutes.
Garnish casserole with the toasted almonds and serve.
I'm substituting whole wheat rotini for the bowties, but you get the idea. The pureed squash (did that while Cass napped) is yummy! We'll see what the kids (and Jamie) think though. I tried sneaking sweet potatoes into mac and cheese once and Chase totally busted me. That Deceptively Delicious stuff isn't deceptive enough for him. And while he eats a ton of fruit and SOME veggies, I'd like to move beyond raw carrots and broccoli. I suppose this is the silver lining to Cassie's double ear infection--I watched Rachel Ray yesterday while I was rocking her before an early nap.
Laundry calls...
Monday, October 13, 2008
No politics today
I'm too tired. Cass was up until after 4am w/a double ear infection.
The market is up today. Molls and I are taking all the credit after our discussion on Saturday...
The market is up today. Molls and I are taking all the credit after our discussion on Saturday...
Friday, October 10, 2008
Freedom of Speech (or--why I take issue w/banning "hate speech")
Hate speech is a favorite term of lefty libs. Often you'll find that freedom of speech applies, excluding "hate speech." I'm pretty sure that when our Founding Fathers wrote the constitution, they were protecting ALL speech, regardless of whom it offended or whether it fell into the recently coined category of "hate speech." And I'm guessing my Barack Bling over there (thanks, D!) would probably be classified by some as hate speech, hence why I'm displaying it so loud and proud!
A favorite tactic of lefty libs is selective use of the whole freedom of speech thing. Recently I left a comment about Joe Biden's incompetence in a reply to a friend's Facebook status. She was trashing Palin, I merely pointed out that 30 years of foreign policy "experience" doesn't count for much if you're on the wrong side of every issue during those 30 years. I received a private message requesting I not leave my (conservative) opinions on her site since they differed from her (liberal) opinions and offended her. This is a classic liberal move. Freedom of speech is fine and dandy, so long as the libs agree with you. If they don't...then the First Amendment doesn't apply. Of course, they can't admit to their selective use of the First Amendment (personal responsibility--what?) and call it what it is, so instead they apply the vague PC term "hate speech" to shut you down and call it a day.
ETA Point of Clarification: This sort of behavior is what will evenutally lead to gross violations of the First Amendment. I have a right to my opinion and I have a right to voice that opinion. You don't have to agree with that opinion and you don't have to like that opinion, but you darn well better respect my right to say and vocalize it, regardless of how "offensive" you may find it. If you were to check out my Facebook page, you'd notice lots of comments from Conservatives and Liberals alike. I don't agree with everything (or really anything) my Liberal friends post, but if I'm going to put my opinion out there (and I do), I respect their right to disagree and put THEIR opinion out there. This exchange of ideas is a healthy part of our political process. The exchange of ideas is also what allows conservative talk radio to function as a fair counterpoint to NPR and the mainstream media. Yet Democrats in Congress have tried to LEGISLATE talk radio because they don't like what they hear on it. I'm sure Conservative politicians don't like what they hear on NBC, but I haven't seen any legislation coming from them trying to smack down or censor NBC. I can't say the same thing about the left.
Recently a friend was soliciting information about the Presidential candidates and asked why people liked the candidates they did. The most common answer given about Barack Obama was, "I love him." or "He's great." or "He's wonderful." Policy, political stances, past legislation--none of that matters. An entire generation has been sucked under the spell of a charismatic socialist.
When asked about McCain, policy (vs. charm) generally made up the answers given. Now I realize that there are people voting for Obama who genuinely know, understand, and agree with his socialist agenda. More power to them. I think they're crazy. But that's their right. What bothers me is how many people have been suckered into voting for an underqualified junior senator b/c he offers "hope and change." SO DID HITLER. And look where that got Germany seventy some odd years ago.
I'm not saying that Obama is going to round up all of our Jewish citizens and exterminate them in concentration camps. On the other hand, did you hear about the "Obama Truth Squad?" Go ahead and Google it, I'll wait. Now, read all about that and tell me that if that one gets elected that your First Amendment rights won't be smashed for the "common good." (Hello, common good--Marxism, anyone?) Turning law enforcement officials into members of a "truth squad" is a bit too KGB for me. How long until his "truth squad" starts rounding up people who merely disagree w/Obama? How long until Congress passes legislation to muzzle Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and the like?
I'm just saying...
ETA--I'm not the only one. Michael Barone says this: http://townhall.com/Columnists/MichaelBarone/2008/10/11/the_coming_obama_thugocracy
Thursday, October 9, 2008
One More Thing
I got this email from a friend while I was writing my political manifesto. Remember what I said about Bush? This sums it up PERFECTLY:
BUSH'S RESIGNATION SPEECH
The following 'speech' was written recently by an ordinary Maine-iac [a resident of the People's Republic of Maine ]. While satirical in nature, all satire must have a basis in fact to be effective. This is an excellent piece by a person who does not write for a living.
The speech George W. Bush might give:
Normally, I start these things out by saying 'My Fellow Americans.' Not doing it this time. If the polls are any indication, I don't know who more than half of you are anymore. I do know something terrible has happened, and that you're really not fellow Americans any longer.
I'll cut right to the chase here: I quit. Now before anyone gets all in a lather about me quitting to avoid impeachment, or to avoid prosecution or something, let me assure you: There's been no breaking of laws or impeachable offenses in this office.
The reason I'm quitting is simple. I'm fed up with you people. I'm fed up because you have no understanding of what's really going on in the world. Or of what's going on in this once-great nation of ours. And the majority of you are too damned lazy to do your homework and figure it out.
Let's start local. You've been sold a bill of goods by politicians and the news media.
Meanwhile, all you can do is whine about gas prices, and most of you are too damn stupid to realize that gas prices are high because there's increased demand in other parts of the world, and because a small handful of noisy idiots are more worried about polar bears and beachfront property than your economic security.
We face real threats in the world. Don't give me this 'blood for oil' thing.. If I were trading blood for oil I would've already seized Iraq 's oil fields and let the rest of the country go to hell. And don't give me this 'Bush Lied...People Died' crap either. If I were the liar you morons take me for, I could've easily had chemical weapons planted in Iraq so they could be 'discovered.' Instead, I owned up to the fact that the intelligence was faulty.
Let me remind you that the rest of the world thought Saddam had the goods, same as me. Let me also remind you that regime change in Iraq was official US policy before I came into office. Some guy named ' Clinton ' established that policy. Bet you didn't know that, did you?
Now some of you morons want to be led by a junior senator with no understanding of foreign policy or economics, and this nitwit says we should attack Pakistan , a nuclear ally. And then he wants to go to Iran and make peace with a terrorist who says he's going to destroy us. While he's doing that, he wants to give Iraq to al Qaeda, Afghanistan to the Taliban, Israel to the Palestinians, and your money to the IRS so the government can give welfare to illegal aliens, who he will make into citizens, so they can vote to re-elect him. He also thinks it's okay for Iran to have nuclear weapons, and we should stop our foreign aid to Israel .. Did you sleep through high school?
You idiots need to understand that we face a unique enemy. Back during the cold war, there were two major competing political and economic model s squaring off. We won that war, but we did so because fundamentally, the Communists wanted to survive, just as we do. We were simply able to out spend and out-tech them.
That's not the case this time. The soldiers of our new enemy don't care if they survive. In fact, they want to die. That'd be fine, as long as they weren't also committed to taking as many of you with them as they can. But they are. They want to kill you, and the bastards are all over the globe.
You should be grateful that they haven't gotten any more of us here in the United States since September 11. But you're not. That's because you've got no idea how hard a small number of intelligence, military, law enforcement, and homeland security people have worked to make sure of that. When this whole mess started, I warned you that this would be a long and difficult fight.. I'm disappointed how many of you people think a long and difficult fight amounts to a single season of 'Survivor.'
Instead, you've grown impatient. You're incapable of seeing things through the long lens of history, the way our enemies do. You think that wars should last a few months, a few years, tops.
Making matters worse, you actively support those who help the enemy. Every time you buy th e New York Times, every time you send a donation to a cut-and-run Democrat's political campaign, well, dang it, you might just as well FedEx a grenade launcher to a Jihadist. It amounts to the same thing.
In this day and age, it's easy enough to find the truth. It's all over the Internet. It just isn't on the pages of the New York Times, USA Today, or on NBC News. But even if it were, I doubt you'd be any smarter. Most of you would rather watch American Idol or Dancing with Stars.
I could say more about your expectations that the government will always be there to bail you out, even if you're too stupid to leave a city that 's below sea level and has a hurricane approaching.
I could say more about your insane belief that government, not your own wallet, is where the money comes from. But I've come to the conclusion that were I to do so, it would sail right over your heads.
So I quit. I'm going back to Crawford. I've got an energy-efficient house down there (Al Gore could only dream) and the capability to be fully self-sufficient for years. No one ever heard of Crawford before I got elected, and as soon as I'm done here pretty much no one will ever hear of it again. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to die of old age before the last pillars of America fall.
Oh, and by the way, Cheney's quitting too. That means Pelosi is your new President. You asked for it. Watch what she does carefully, because I still have a glimmer of hope that there are just enough of you remaining who are smart enough to turn this thing around in 2008.
So that's it. God bless what's left of America .
Some of you know what I mean. The rest of you, kiss off.
PS - You might want to start learning Farsi, and buy a Koran.
BUSH'S RESIGNATION SPEECH
The following 'speech' was written recently by an ordinary Maine-iac [a resident of the People's Republic of Maine ]. While satirical in nature, all satire must have a basis in fact to be effective. This is an excellent piece by a person who does not write for a living.
The speech George W. Bush might give:
Normally, I start these things out by saying 'My Fellow Americans.' Not doing it this time. If the polls are any indication, I don't know who more than half of you are anymore. I do know something terrible has happened, and that you're really not fellow Americans any longer.
I'll cut right to the chase here: I quit. Now before anyone gets all in a lather about me quitting to avoid impeachment, or to avoid prosecution or something, let me assure you: There's been no breaking of laws or impeachable offenses in this office.
The reason I'm quitting is simple. I'm fed up with you people. I'm fed up because you have no understanding of what's really going on in the world. Or of what's going on in this once-great nation of ours. And the majority of you are too damned lazy to do your homework and figure it out.
Let's start local. You've been sold a bill of goods by politicians and the news media.
Meanwhile, all you can do is whine about gas prices, and most of you are too damn stupid to realize that gas prices are high because there's increased demand in other parts of the world, and because a small handful of noisy idiots are more worried about polar bears and beachfront property than your economic security.
We face real threats in the world. Don't give me this 'blood for oil' thing.. If I were trading blood for oil I would've already seized Iraq 's oil fields and let the rest of the country go to hell. And don't give me this 'Bush Lied...People Died' crap either. If I were the liar you morons take me for, I could've easily had chemical weapons planted in Iraq so they could be 'discovered.' Instead, I owned up to the fact that the intelligence was faulty.
Let me remind you that the rest of the world thought Saddam had the goods, same as me. Let me also remind you that regime change in Iraq was official US policy before I came into office. Some guy named ' Clinton ' established that policy. Bet you didn't know that, did you?
Now some of you morons want to be led by a junior senator with no understanding of foreign policy or economics, and this nitwit says we should attack Pakistan , a nuclear ally. And then he wants to go to Iran and make peace with a terrorist who says he's going to destroy us. While he's doing that, he wants to give Iraq to al Qaeda, Afghanistan to the Taliban, Israel to the Palestinians, and your money to the IRS so the government can give welfare to illegal aliens, who he will make into citizens, so they can vote to re-elect him. He also thinks it's okay for Iran to have nuclear weapons, and we should stop our foreign aid to Israel .. Did you sleep through high school?
You idiots need to understand that we face a unique enemy. Back during the cold war, there were two major competing political and economic model s squaring off. We won that war, but we did so because fundamentally, the Communists wanted to survive, just as we do. We were simply able to out spend and out-tech them.
That's not the case this time. The soldiers of our new enemy don't care if they survive. In fact, they want to die. That'd be fine, as long as they weren't also committed to taking as many of you with them as they can. But they are. They want to kill you, and the bastards are all over the globe.
You should be grateful that they haven't gotten any more of us here in the United States since September 11. But you're not. That's because you've got no idea how hard a small number of intelligence, military, law enforcement, and homeland security people have worked to make sure of that. When this whole mess started, I warned you that this would be a long and difficult fight.. I'm disappointed how many of you people think a long and difficult fight amounts to a single season of 'Survivor.'
Instead, you've grown impatient. You're incapable of seeing things through the long lens of history, the way our enemies do. You think that wars should last a few months, a few years, tops.
Making matters worse, you actively support those who help the enemy. Every time you buy th e New York Times, every time you send a donation to a cut-and-run Democrat's political campaign, well, dang it, you might just as well FedEx a grenade launcher to a Jihadist. It amounts to the same thing.
In this day and age, it's easy enough to find the truth. It's all over the Internet. It just isn't on the pages of the New York Times, USA Today, or on NBC News. But even if it were, I doubt you'd be any smarter. Most of you would rather watch American Idol or Dancing with Stars.
I could say more about your expectations that the government will always be there to bail you out, even if you're too stupid to leave a city that 's below sea level and has a hurricane approaching.
I could say more about your insane belief that government, not your own wallet, is where the money comes from. But I've come to the conclusion that were I to do so, it would sail right over your heads.
So I quit. I'm going back to Crawford. I've got an energy-efficient house down there (Al Gore could only dream) and the capability to be fully self-sufficient for years. No one ever heard of Crawford before I got elected, and as soon as I'm done here pretty much no one will ever hear of it again. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to die of old age before the last pillars of America fall.
Oh, and by the way, Cheney's quitting too. That means Pelosi is your new President. You asked for it. Watch what she does carefully, because I still have a glimmer of hope that there are just enough of you remaining who are smart enough to turn this thing around in 2008.
So that's it. God bless what's left of America .
Some of you know what I mean. The rest of you, kiss off.
PS - You might want to start learning Farsi, and buy a Koran.
Why I Support John McCain...
One of my friends asked me why I'm so die hard McCain. I started to reply in an email and managed to lose the whole thing. So I decided to blog about it instead. Think of it as my political manifesto. Keep in mind that I've been a free-market capitalist, traditional values, small federal government conservative Republican since I could think independently (I hated Jimmy Carter as a toddler, but adored Reagan as a kindergartner). In 1992, I co-founded a Young Republicans group at my high school. My parents were registered Independents, my sister was apathetic, and I was basically Alex P. Keaton with a vagina. I've been a political junkie just as long as I've been a dyed in the wool conservative. I believe the Conservative way is the true American way--we the people can (and will) succeed if the government gets out of our way and lets it happen.
I am voting for John McCain because I believe the most important issue facing us this century is National Security, specifically Islamic Extremist Terrorists who want to destroy our great nation and all it stands for. It is no secret that John McCain and George W. Bush had an ugly, ugly battle for the nomination in 2000. They aren't exactly friends (Obama's portrayal of him as Bush's buddy is downright laughable). Bush is not a popular President and the Iraqi war is even more unpopular. Yet I believe that history will be kind to President Bush. Under his leadership, we've avoided another terrorist attack on our soil. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have put the battle in the terrorist's backyard, not ours. And more importantly, it our wonderful military who is fighting that battle, not our civilians!
IRA Leader Michael Collins said, "The goal of terrorism is to terrorize. It is the only way a small country can hope to defeat a large country." George Bush and John McCain understand this, so they're keeping the terrorists busy fighting our troops overseas. General Petraeus's surge is working. Iraq is well on it's way to being a free, democratic society after decades of a brutal dictatorship. Yet Barack Obama voted against the surge and wanted to cut and run in Iraq. Let's see: thousands of angry terrorists, no real leadership, and a nuclear Iran next door wanting to bring on Armageddon--surely I am not only person who doesn't see how that best serves our national interests? And yet that's exactly what Barack Obama wanted.
John McCain has decades of military experience. He uniquely knows the absolute hell our enemies can put our troops through because he spent five years in a North Vietnamese prison camp. Simply being an American hero doesn't qualify him to lead our troops as Commander-in-Chief, though, his leadership experience and proven record of acting in the best interest of our Country, despite whatever the personal cost, does. He knows what it means to serve and will not send our troops into harms way unless absolutely necessary. But by that same token, he's also not going to prematurely pull our troops out of Iraq and announce to our enemies, "Yeah, we'll be completely out of here in 12 months, 15 days and 4 hours! So y'all just hang tight until then." Idiotic. Did Truman announce the arrival of our bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Or release the plans for D Day well in advance? Of course not. Because telling our enemies how we're going to fight them is nothing short of lunacy. But that's exactly what Barack Obama wanted to do when he voted against the surge and in favor of a "timetable" for troop withdrawal. Without going into his great love of the UN, I simply do not think he is capable of acting in our country's best interests re: National Security.
I know, I know, seven years have passed without a terrorist attack, the tide has turned (thanks to the surge) and we're winning in Iraq, the "real" issue these days is the economy. And that's one more example of how the policies of the left have completely screwed things up. In the 90s, the Clinton administration decided that it was time to bring affirmative action to homeownership. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were mandated (by the then-democratic Congress) to increase lending to low and middle income borrowers. Welfare payments and unemployment benefits were seen as valid income sources to qualify for a mortgage. In 2001, Bush's chief economist, N. Gregory Mankiw, warned this was creating a huge risk for the entire financial system. He was pooh-poohed by the Democratic establishment as an alarmist. Apparently giving huge loans to people who can't afford them in the name of "fairness" is sound economic policy to Barney Frank (the fact that he was sleeping w/a big shot at Fannie Mae had nothing to do with any of it, I'm sure). When the housing bubble burst, the people who wouldn't have traditionally qualified for mortgages couldn't sell their homes to get out of the mortgages that they could no longer afford and hence the current credit crisis. Of course, Barack Obama says it is all George Bush's fault because Bush is currently in office. But make no mistake, it was the policies of the Clinton Administration and their efforts to bring equality to housing, that caused your 401K to lose probably half of its value and push your retirement back another 4-7 years.
Do I agree with McCain's current proposal to buy a bunch of bad mortgages? No, I don't. Frankly, four and a half years ago we bought a house we could afford and I don't really think my tax dollars should subsidize those who didn't do the same. Moreover, I think we need LESS government interference in our economy, not more. The markets (housing and stock) will eventually correct themselves and recover. The sooner the government backs off and lets that happen, the better.
Speaking of the government backing off...let's talk about health insurance. Barack Obama says health insurance is a right, but that if I like my HMO, I "can keep it." How very generous of him. I don't want his government granting me permission to keep my HMO. I don't think health insurance is a right. We pay for our health insurance: we have co-pays, deductibles, and monthly payments on top of that. Just like we pay for our car insurance, homeowners insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance and life insurance. Are those all rights too? Of course not. So why is health insurance a fundamental right? No one is denied care in this country. As a human being, it is my responsibility to take care of my health. As a mother, it is my responsibility to take care of the health of my children. It is NOT the responsibility of the federal government to provide that care for me or my children. When has the federal government ever nationalized anything and done it better than the private sector? Anyone? Our system may not be fair, but since when is life fair?
If this were a book (I know, if you've made it this far you're surprised it's not), this chapter would be titled: Hey Lefty Libs, clearly your mom forgot to tell you that life isn't fair. In a free-market, capitalist society, there are going to be haves and have nots. And some of those haves are going to have a lot (google Kennedy, Rockefeller, Carnegie, Pelosi, etc) and some of those have nots are going to live in abject poverty. And while abject poverty in the US is hardly abject poverty in, say, Somalia (most of our poor have it better than my parents did growing up in the 50s: they have cars, a/c, television), it sucks. However, the thing that makes this country great is the one thing everyone has in common. That is the opportunity for more.
Millions of people cross our borders every year looking for that opportunity. But I fear the land of opportunity is about to become the land of entitlements. When people start depending on the government, they stop depending on themselves. This is not what our founding fathers envisioned when they wrote our constitution, nor is it the shining city on a hill that Reagan saw. Rather it is far more like the ever-increasing socialism seen in Europe. Google France's economic situation--as bad as things are here, they'd kill for our current unemployment rate. France's unemployment rate has been in double digits for decades because of government interference and nationalization of what should be private sector markets. With a democratic Congress and the most liberal President since LBJ, that's exactly where we're heading.
Despite his claims to the contrary, Obama can NOT provide the entitlements he wants w/o raising taxes across the board. 20% of our taxpayers pay 80% of our taxes. By further increasing the taxes of high wage earners, Obama will effectively stifle economic growth and innovation. Why earn more than 249K when you're just going to have to fork it over to subsidize someone else? Obama has voted to raise taxes 94 times. He wants to immediately repeal Bush's tax cuts. Joe Biden called paying higher taxes "patriotic" on national tv. If Obama is elected and you pay taxes--your taxes will go up. Anything to the contrary is just political spin. Obama isn't "for" the working class or the middle class--look at his political connections! Tony Rezco (a multimillionaire developer on his way to prison) and Bill Ayres (a domestic terrorist) are hardly your average middle class taxpayers.
Obama doesn't share my value for human life, either. He once said that if his daughters should wind up with an unintended pregnancy, they shouldn't be "punished" with a baby. Unintended or not, I don't look as any infant as a "punishment." Despite refusing to take a real stand on many issues as a state senator (he voted "present" an astounding amount of times), he did twice argue in favor of a law that would prevent medical intervention on behalf of aborted babies born alive. There was a particularly well publicized case in the state of Illinois in which an RN found one such baby in a linen closet (where the doctor stuffed her after the botched abortion). The infant, who had Downs Syndrome, was held by that nurse for the remainder of her short time on Earth. If Obama had his way, that baby would have lived out its time in that linen closet or a trash can. That's not the kind of values I want in the man serving as my President.
I don't have time to get into illegal immigration (which is a huge national security issue) or gun control (also a national security issue, IMO), but suffice to say, the McCain/Palin ticket is far more in line with my values on those topics than Obama/Biden. I don't always agree with McCain (the mortgage bailout completely burns me, for example), but I can't think of a single issue in which I agree with Obama. Not a single one. Which is why I picked up my McCain/Palin yard sign this morning from my local RNC HQ and proudly popped it into the yard.
I am voting for John McCain because I believe the most important issue facing us this century is National Security, specifically Islamic Extremist Terrorists who want to destroy our great nation and all it stands for. It is no secret that John McCain and George W. Bush had an ugly, ugly battle for the nomination in 2000. They aren't exactly friends (Obama's portrayal of him as Bush's buddy is downright laughable). Bush is not a popular President and the Iraqi war is even more unpopular. Yet I believe that history will be kind to President Bush. Under his leadership, we've avoided another terrorist attack on our soil. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have put the battle in the terrorist's backyard, not ours. And more importantly, it our wonderful military who is fighting that battle, not our civilians!
IRA Leader Michael Collins said, "The goal of terrorism is to terrorize. It is the only way a small country can hope to defeat a large country." George Bush and John McCain understand this, so they're keeping the terrorists busy fighting our troops overseas. General Petraeus's surge is working. Iraq is well on it's way to being a free, democratic society after decades of a brutal dictatorship. Yet Barack Obama voted against the surge and wanted to cut and run in Iraq. Let's see: thousands of angry terrorists, no real leadership, and a nuclear Iran next door wanting to bring on Armageddon--surely I am not only person who doesn't see how that best serves our national interests? And yet that's exactly what Barack Obama wanted.
John McCain has decades of military experience. He uniquely knows the absolute hell our enemies can put our troops through because he spent five years in a North Vietnamese prison camp. Simply being an American hero doesn't qualify him to lead our troops as Commander-in-Chief, though, his leadership experience and proven record of acting in the best interest of our Country, despite whatever the personal cost, does. He knows what it means to serve and will not send our troops into harms way unless absolutely necessary. But by that same token, he's also not going to prematurely pull our troops out of Iraq and announce to our enemies, "Yeah, we'll be completely out of here in 12 months, 15 days and 4 hours! So y'all just hang tight until then." Idiotic. Did Truman announce the arrival of our bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Or release the plans for D Day well in advance? Of course not. Because telling our enemies how we're going to fight them is nothing short of lunacy. But that's exactly what Barack Obama wanted to do when he voted against the surge and in favor of a "timetable" for troop withdrawal. Without going into his great love of the UN, I simply do not think he is capable of acting in our country's best interests re: National Security.
I know, I know, seven years have passed without a terrorist attack, the tide has turned (thanks to the surge) and we're winning in Iraq, the "real" issue these days is the economy. And that's one more example of how the policies of the left have completely screwed things up. In the 90s, the Clinton administration decided that it was time to bring affirmative action to homeownership. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were mandated (by the then-democratic Congress) to increase lending to low and middle income borrowers. Welfare payments and unemployment benefits were seen as valid income sources to qualify for a mortgage. In 2001, Bush's chief economist, N. Gregory Mankiw, warned this was creating a huge risk for the entire financial system. He was pooh-poohed by the Democratic establishment as an alarmist. Apparently giving huge loans to people who can't afford them in the name of "fairness" is sound economic policy to Barney Frank (the fact that he was sleeping w/a big shot at Fannie Mae had nothing to do with any of it, I'm sure). When the housing bubble burst, the people who wouldn't have traditionally qualified for mortgages couldn't sell their homes to get out of the mortgages that they could no longer afford and hence the current credit crisis. Of course, Barack Obama says it is all George Bush's fault because Bush is currently in office. But make no mistake, it was the policies of the Clinton Administration and their efforts to bring equality to housing, that caused your 401K to lose probably half of its value and push your retirement back another 4-7 years.
Do I agree with McCain's current proposal to buy a bunch of bad mortgages? No, I don't. Frankly, four and a half years ago we bought a house we could afford and I don't really think my tax dollars should subsidize those who didn't do the same. Moreover, I think we need LESS government interference in our economy, not more. The markets (housing and stock) will eventually correct themselves and recover. The sooner the government backs off and lets that happen, the better.
Speaking of the government backing off...let's talk about health insurance. Barack Obama says health insurance is a right, but that if I like my HMO, I "can keep it." How very generous of him.
If this were a book (I know, if you've made it this far you're surprised it's not), this chapter would be titled: Hey Lefty Libs, clearly your mom forgot to tell you that life isn't fair. In a free-market, capitalist society, there are going to be haves and have nots. And some of those haves are going to have a lot (google Kennedy, Rockefeller, Carnegie, Pelosi, etc) and some of those have nots are going to live in abject poverty. And while abject poverty in the US is hardly abject poverty in, say, Somalia (most of our poor have it better than my parents did growing up in the 50s: they have cars, a/c, television), it sucks. However, the thing that makes this country great is the one thing everyone has in common. That is the opportunity for more.
Millions of people cross our borders every year looking for that opportunity. But I fear the land of opportunity is about to become the land of entitlements. When people start depending on the government, they stop depending on themselves. This is not what our founding fathers envisioned when they wrote our constitution, nor is it the shining city on a hill that Reagan saw. Rather it is far more like the ever-increasing socialism seen in Europe. Google France's economic situation--as bad as things are here, they'd kill for our current unemployment rate. France's unemployment rate has been in double digits for decades because of government interference and nationalization of what should be private sector markets. With a democratic Congress and the most liberal President since LBJ, that's exactly where we're heading.
Despite his claims to the contrary, Obama can NOT provide the entitlements he wants w/o raising taxes across the board. 20% of our taxpayers pay 80% of our taxes. By further increasing the taxes of high wage earners, Obama will effectively stifle economic growth and innovation. Why earn more than 249K when you're just going to have to fork it over to subsidize someone else? Obama has voted to raise taxes 94 times. He wants to immediately repeal Bush's tax cuts. Joe Biden called paying higher taxes "patriotic" on national tv. If Obama is elected and you pay taxes--your taxes will go up. Anything to the contrary is just political spin. Obama isn't "for" the working class or the middle class--look at his political connections! Tony Rezco (a multimillionaire developer on his way to prison) and Bill Ayres (a domestic terrorist) are hardly your average middle class taxpayers.
Obama doesn't share my value for human life, either. He once said that if his daughters should wind up with an unintended pregnancy, they shouldn't be "punished" with a baby. Unintended or not, I don't look as any infant as a "punishment." Despite refusing to take a real stand on many issues as a state senator (he voted "present" an astounding amount of times), he did twice argue in favor of a law that would prevent medical intervention on behalf of aborted babies born alive. There was a particularly well publicized case in the state of Illinois in which an RN found one such baby in a linen closet (where the doctor stuffed her after the botched abortion). The infant, who had Downs Syndrome, was held by that nurse for the remainder of her short time on Earth. If Obama had his way, that baby would have lived out its time in that linen closet or a trash can. That's not the kind of values I want in the man serving as my President.
I don't have time to get into illegal immigration (which is a huge national security issue) or gun control (also a national security issue, IMO), but suffice to say, the McCain/Palin ticket is far more in line with my values on those topics than Obama/Biden. I don't always agree with McCain (the mortgage bailout completely burns me, for example), but I can't think of a single issue in which I agree with Obama. Not a single one. Which is why I picked up my McCain/Palin yard sign this morning from my local RNC HQ and proudly popped it into the yard.
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