In Jennifer's Head

I Have An Announcement!

2008-04-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone listen up! This is very important to all of my regular readers (its important to my irregular readers as well,but do get more fiber).

Are you paying attention?

This blog has moved. You may now find it at injennifershead.com

Go forth and comment.

Class Day Today!!!! With Final Update

2008-04-05T06:41:00.000-07:00

I'm currently sitting in the parking lot waiting for the gun range to open. We are taking our carry conceal class and test today. I got up early and fixed my hair and make-up. I girl needs to look good for a photo I'd that she's going to carry for the next 5 years. So I'm wearing Versace to the range. It's not the first time. I'll update you on the break.
2:00pm update
Having lunch now. The class has been interesting. I was the first person finished with the written test. Scored a 100%. I've always been. A good test taker though. Will update again after completing the range portion of the exam.
5:00pm update
We passed!! We passed!! Now we just need to get fingerprinted, send in our paperwork, and wait for the state. Time to start the countdown.
Final Update:
Well we are finally home. It was a long day, but it was certainly a good one. H&H Gun Range hosts a great class. They bring in an attorney to teach the legal portion of the class so that the students are able to ask any legal question they need to ask. That's a nice benefit as we had some unique legal questions. Now we just need to turn this mess of paperwork and goofy pictures over to the bureaucrats to play with. I hope to get my license before I'm 30.

Hardware Woes

2008-04-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

Just so you are all aware how much I love you. I've been fighting with this whole blog thing all evening. It has become painfully apparent that my poor little clamshell is just not going to cut it. I am going to need a new laptop. I will be able to get this up and running from one of my desktops (probably the Linux machine). But this little guy is way out of its league. I think I will put it to bed for the night rather than throwing it through the sliding glass door which also needs replacing. This old Mac could do it if I were more patient. Tonight I'm not.

Blog Moving Update

2008-04-02T18:36:00.001-07:00

I am hunting for a good web host. Any suggestions?

I Suddenly Felt 11 Years Old Again

2008-04-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

I was browsing political news for blog material and found a story about John McCain making a list possible running mates. I pulled up the link and was drawn immediately to the sidebar. I've taken the liberty of providing a screen shot so that you can experience it more like I did. And just to prove this isn't some Photoshop trickery, I employed my mad digital editing skills in drawing mustaches on the main article picture. I especially like the dandy purple one on McCain.

You can click on the picture for a better view of my silliness.
So I was completely distracted from McCain's VP list by a little blub about the New Kids On The Block. Apparently, they have gotten back together. I will admit that back in the day, I was a fan. I was also a pre-teen at the time. Thankfully they are looking far more heterosexual now.
Well, kind of. Honestly, as the die hard capitalist that I am, I hope this is a huge success. I still have some memorabilia from the first time around. Hopefully it will go up in value, and I can make a fortune on eBay. I have a giant button with a picture on Donnie Wahlberg around here somewhere. Somewhere there may be a hat and a silk wall hanging. Scary huh?

If the tour comes through my area, maybe I'll get a silly group of chick friends together to go see them. Now we are old enough for alcohol. Their concerts are bound to be more entertaining that way.

Not Moved Yet, So Here's Some Gun Control Information

2008-04-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

I've done nothing more today in regards to moving the blog, but I didn't want to leave you hanging with no content. I got this in an email from my great aunt. Lots of very interesting and thought provoking bits there.

A Little Gun History Lesson

In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control. From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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In 1911, Turkey established gun control. From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated

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China established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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Guatemala established gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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Uganda established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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Cambodia established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million 'educated' people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control: 56 million.

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It has now been 12 months since gun owners in Australia were forced by new law to surrender 640,381 personal firearms to be destroyed by their own government, a program costing Australia taxpayers more than $500 million dollars. The first year results are now in:

Australia-wide, homicides are up 3.2 percent

Australia-wide, assaults are up 8.6 percent

Australia-wide, armed robberies are up 44 percent (yes, 44 percent)!

In the state of Victoria alone, homicides with firearms are now up 300 percent. Note that while the law-abiding citizens turned them in, the criminals did not, and criminals still possess their guns!

It will never happen here? I bet the Aussies said that too!

While figures over the previous 25 years showed a steady decrease in armed robbery with firearms, this has changed drastically upward in the past 12 months, since criminals now are guaranteed that their prey is unarmed.

There has also been a dramatic increase in break-ins and assaults of the ELDERLY. Australian politicians are at a loss to explain how public safety has decreased, after such monumental effort and expense was expended in successfully ridding Australian society of guns. The Australian experience and the other historical facts above prove it.

You won't see this data on the US evening news, or hear politicians disseminating this information.

Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws adversely affect only the law-abiding citizens.

Take note my fellow Americans, before it's too late!

The next time someone talks in favor of gun control, please remind him of this history lesson.

With Guns...........We Are "Citizens".
Without Them........We Are "Subjects".

During W.W.II the Japanese decided not to invade America because they knew most Americans were ARMED !

Note: Admiral Yamamoto who crafted the attack on Pearl Harbor had attended Harvard U 1919-1921 & was Naval Attaché to the U. S. 1925-28. Most of our Navy was destroyed at Pearl Harbor & our Army had been deprived of funding & was ill prepared to defend the country.

It was reported that when asked why Japan did not follow up the Pearl Harbor attack with an invasion of the U. S. Mainland, his reply was that he had lived in the U. S. & knew that almost all households had guns.

Interesting. It had the typical note about forwarding it on to people, but I thought posting was more efficient. Besides, I'm a non-forwarder. I've already racked up more bad luck than I am likely to out live. I'll never win that e-mail lottery either. For the record, I think Jesus still loves me even if I don't send the e-mail to everyone in my address book.

Personally, I'd rather not be rounded up and exterminated. They may come for my guns, but all they are getting is lead.

In other gun news today, I'm pissed off at a pencil pusher in the Oklahoma legislature. Apparently some pansy ass (or several), decided that guns on campus make their butts pucker so therefore circumvented the democratic process and kept this bill off the agenda thus killed it. I don't believe that's the end and will be looking into ways to resurrect it. It's one thing if something is voted down, but to be buried without consideration is an offense to us all.

Yes, I Can Take a Hint

2008-03-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

And I'm an obedient Lucasite.

Have I mentioned lately how much I love your blog Jennifer? You are teh funneh.

I think you should switch off of Blogspot, get your own domain, and use Wordpress. It will enhance your quality of life. I'll even help you do it because I have mastered Wordpress.
-Rachel Lucas

Today, I bought the domain InJennifersHead.com. I will be moving soon. I will also be following the advice to switch over to WordPress. Blogger has taken good care of me, but I really need some more flexibility. I've got a little setup to do, but I will keep you posted.

Now, you can never accuse me of ignoring my loyal comment writing fans. Besides that, Rachel is way more popular than I and so I should be listening to her advice.

Real Life Superhero

2008-03-30T16:30:00.000-07:00

A Royal Marine threw himself onto a grenade to save the lives of his team, and amazingly lived to tell the story. His rucksack, body armor, and balls of freaking steel absorbed the blast. He walked away with a bloodied nose. Take that Taliban bastards.

I have two words to describe this guy: Bad Ass. He deserves a medal, a parade, and a throng of servants scattering rose petals in his path. He should be preceded by bag pipes everywhere he goes.

British men are now living in fear of the day this guy comes home. Women will be able to smell the fact that he got the entire testosterone ration of England. The multi-colored flags being waved by the parade spectators? Yeah, it will actually be panties.

Just One More Reason Not to Eat There

2008-03-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I decided that it had been far too long since we had last been to theater. No, not the classy kind. I mean the one the sells popcorn and has sticky floors. We decided to see a stupid movie because it sounded like fun. So we went to see Superhero Movie. Hilarious! If you go to see it, sit through the credits. You will get to see the extended version of that song. You'll know the one I'm talking about. When enough people have seen it that it has been posted on You Tube, I'll post it here. There are so many that deserve to have it played for them.

Because we aren't cool anymore, we were leaving the mall at around 9pm. After that, it's just emo city anyway. As we were walking out of our theater, we noticed a heavily armed sheriff walking through and checking each theater. This struck us as odd, but we just went about our business. We then discovered that they were lowering the cage doors as we walked out past the ticket booths. This barrier is even more intimidating than the impenetrable velvet rope. Hmm, even more interesting. More heavily armed sheriffs in the food court as well as ~~Royal Canadian Mounties~~ mall security. (If you had ever seen Quail Springs Mall security, you would know what a difficult distinction this is.)

Since we are still unarmed in public (CCW test is April 5th), we headed out to the car. They probably weren't looking for civilian backup anyway. Although we had a very lively 'what if' discussion on the way home. A friend came over to the house and the incident wasn't mentioned again. She brought wine and we talked until 2 in the morning like crazy people.

In scanning the news for possible material, I ran across this. Texas Roadhouse is right across the street from the mall. I'm assuming they were looking for the shooter because I'm sure seeing a stupid movie and eating popcorn is exactly what one would want to do after opening fire in a restaurant parking lot.

I'm thinking that they were looking in the wrong place. I've eaten at the Texas Roadhouse in question. The last time I was there, they had a hostess with a real attitude problem. My friends had arrived before we did and put their names on the list for seating. Apparently there is a high demand for peanuts and over-cooked meat on Friday nights. I approached the hostess station to let them know that the rest of that party had arrived and to inquire about the wait time. In the most condescending tone imaginable, she informed me that when the name was added to the list there was a 20 minute wait and that it had only been 15 minutes since then. I apologized for my lack of omnipotence and waited another 20 minutes for our table. Our sweet as candy waitress (really, I hope she has a better job now) took excellent care of us and all but begged me to make a report to the manager about the hostess. It seems that she is very popular among the help. I obliged. This isn't really the reason I don't eat there anymore, it was just the proverbial straw. Apparently the cook there is permanently set on well-done. I don't like burnt beef. I want it rare to medium rare. I order it that way, but the cook's settings cannot be over-ridden.

So here's what I think happened. Dude deals with PMS bitch to get his table. He picks out a beautiful cut of steak and orders it bloody as hell. While he is waiting for said steak to sit on the grill long enough for the cook's presets, he requests a cocktail. When he finishes his whiskey-infused water masquerading as scotch-on-the-rocks, his serving of boot leather with a side of mashed salt arrives. He pays his tab and leaves. He sees a friend in the parking lot who suggests that they go back into the restaurant for drinks and dessert. At that point, he snaps and opens fire.

Ok, not really, but it makes for a good story. It's unacceptable use of a firearm and will only be used as ammunition (pun intended) by the gun control freaks. Even though no one tries to infringe on anyone else's freedom of speech because some wacko said something inflammatory. No one tries to stop people from being able to travel this great nation just because someone used their vehicle in an unacceptable manor and killed an innocent bystander. But the right to bear arms is the unpopular part of the constitution; no one protests the infringements there.

Correcting Obama Quotes

2008-03-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

"Had the reverend not retired, and had he not acknowledged that what he had said had deeply offended people and were inappropriate and mischaracterized what I believe is the greatness of this country, for all its flaws, then I wouldn't have felt comfortable staying at the church," Obama said Thursday during a taping of the ABC talk show

via
I think what he meant to say here was, "Had I not been running for 'Commander of Chief,' I would never have spoken out against this racist." I could be wrong, but I doubt it. The Obamessiah will do anything for your vote. He's a self-proclaimed half breed so he can throw blacks or whites under the bus (just as long as he doesn't have to sit in the back) just to get the vote. He's the one-size-fits-all candidate. Got white guilt? He's your man. Want to be progressive and prove you aren't racist? Vote for Hope and Change!

"It is time for the federal government to revamp the regulatory framework dealing with our financial markets," the Illinois senator said in a wide-ranging speech on the economy.

via
This should have been, "It is time for the government to spoon feed you and bail you out because Big Brother knows best. Only people that have been struggling like Michelle and I can really understand what it's like. As a politician, I promise to do everything in my power to make sure no American, citizen or otherwise, has to actually face the consequences of their own decisions. I know that the more people on the state's handout list, the more people vote Democrat. It's easier than getting a job afterall."

"If we can extend a hand to banks on Wall Street when they get into trouble, we can extend a hand to Americans who are struggling through no fault of their own," he said to applause.

still via
Adding, "And by 'no fault,' I mean too stupid or irresponsible to survive in a capitalist society. We need to lift up the lowest common denominator because they vote liberal."

He really is so eloquent. But seriously, where is the money supposed to come from? That's the part he always leaves out. It's tax money, plain and simple. And don't buy into the Democrats favorite campaign line of taxing the rich and the corporations. The rich can afford fast fingered accountants that can find more tax breaks and loopholes than your kid just found Easter eggs. Corporations will just pass the cost onto consumers.

-But Jennifer, what does it all mean?

Don't worry dears, I'm going to tell you. It means that the actual financial burden rests on the regular working class. Yep, I'm betting that means most of you. (All 42.9 that read daily on average and never comment. I love the lurkers too, I swear. De-lurk, it's safe here.)

All the wonderful socialist programs being offered cost money. Free health care isn't free. The money for a mortgage bailout comes out of your pocket. Ice cream for all is doled out by someone on the state's payroll. And frankly, it pisses me off. We bought a little house because it was what we could afford. One of the reasons I work full time is because my employer offers health insurance. These are decisions that adults must make. These are the values we should be instilling our children. As I have said before, handouts will not fix the economy. Must we really go over this again?

Breaking News! Occasionally, Hillary is Human!

2008-03-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

According to Top News, Hillary Clinton admitted that:

Occasionally, I am a human being like everybody else.

The jury is still out about what she is the rest of the time.  But apparently, it is not human. 

Possibly alien?  It would certainly explain her desire to extend citizenship to those that are here illegally.

Maybe she's a robot.  Generations of science fiction authors have predicted that they would take over one day.  She's entitled.  This would explain her position on Universal Health Care.  She would only have to worry about seeing a state employed medical professional on the rare occasion that she is human.  Hmm, the alien thing works with that too.  You know, depending on how she defines "Universal" and "is."

I know! Samantha Power was right!  Hillary really is a monster. A key foreign policy aide to the Obamessiah would certainly know.  No wonder Bill was seeking comfort elsewhere.  Who knows what monstrous things lurk beneath those pantsuits!

No 'Colored' Person I Know Would Want This Kind Of Advancement

2008-03-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

*Warning: This subject matter pisses me off and thus, the entry will contain foul language*

Still with me?

Al Sharpton is an asshole and a poor excuse for a human being. Let me fill you in on what he's doing currently. You may or may not have heard of the Dunbar Village rape case. If not, I'm going to give you the gruesome highlights.

10 men broke into the home shared by a Haitian immigrant and her son. For three hours these bastards gang raped her while beating her 12-year-old son in the next room. As if that wasn't enough, they then forced this woman, at gunpoint, to perform oral sex on her son. After this atrocity was finished, they put mother and son in the bathtub and covered them with household cleaners. The boy was blinded with nail polish remover. They attempted to light them on fire, but were unable to find a match. The neighbors tuned out the cries for help.

Hours later, in the dark of night, they walked to a hospital.

Four of the rapists have been arrested. Six are still at large. You would think that the "Reverend" (ha) Al Sharpton and the NAACP would be doing everything in their power to make sure justice was served in the life of this colored woman. But no. The scum that performed this act were black. Sharpton and his minions are defending them.

Personally, I don't give a damn about how hard it is to grow up black. There is absolutely no possible excuse for this inhuman act. Those that perpetrated it are lower than animals and should be treated as such.

Sharpton thinks they are being treated unfairly because 5 white boys that gang raped 2 girls were let out on bond to await their trial. He says that blacks and whites should be treated the same for the same crime. In that, I would agree. But this is not the same crime. What the white boys did was certainly not right, but it's not even in the same league. The white boys got drunk with a couple of girls and gang raped them. That's bad. But they didn't do it for 3 hours, force then to perform oral sex on their child, and then attempt to burn them alive. Honestly, I don't think they should have been let out on bond either, but they are probably less of a threat to society as a whole than the shit Sharpton is defending. And these white boys are going to trial. They weren't let off the hook.

Hmm, what could possibly be worse than gang rape? Oh right, the black boys did that and then some. I didn't know I had any more respect to lose for Al Sharpton, but apparently I was wrong. I really wish the Haitian woman had been armed. Then maybe the news would be talking about removing their brains from the walls of her home. The police could instead be informing the families that these sorry excuses for humans were no longer wasting the air. The world would be a better place.

It does nothing for the 'advancement of colored people' to support trash like this. Depravity of this kind knows no color. It is wrong, plain and simple. They are sociopathic fuck-heads that should be put so far away that air must be pumped to them. They are going to be tried as adults. Better than they deserve, in my opinion, but Sharpton complains about that as well.

Does the term 'colored people' not include women? What about this woman? Does she not deserve justice? Does she not deserve the army of attorneys at Sharpton's disposal?

These boys are monsters. They are a threat to society. Dr. King dreamed of a day when all people would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. The color of their skin means nothing, the content of their characters has already spoken volumes. Is this not what the NAACP should be striving towards? This judgment is merciful in regards to their actions.

Please read Dr. Renita Weems's call to action. I'm not eligible to join the NAACP and wouldn't if I could, but those who are should speak out.

Via: The Curvature

Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

I have already broken the rule about talking about politics in polite company. Now I'm going to talk about religion as well. Either I'm some kind of uncouth individual bereft of social graces, or my readers aren't polite company. I'll let you decide.

Growing up, I thought Easter just meant chocolate and a weird bunny. I got a new dress to wear to church, and often a frilly hat as well. I had no idea why. They didn't ever talk about it in my childhood church either. I grew up in one of those churches that doesn't celebrate days like Easter or Christmas as anything other than the overly commercialized secular spend-too-much money days. In spite of the fact that the word holiday specifically means Holy Day. I didn't get it until I was older.

In elementary school, I had multiple fights with friends and classmates about Jesus's birth date. I knew that the Bible did not specify and had never commanded us to celebrate it anyway. For me, Christmas was nothing more than getting family together for too much food and presents.

Every year for Easter, we would go to my cousin's grandma's house (no blood relation, but we're Okies so we're all kin) for an Easter egg hunt. Great fun! We'd compare our hauls and gorge on candy. Never once mentioning a spiritual significance to the day. It was years before I really got that there was one.

For just over a year now, my husband and I have been attending a liturgical church. I'm still getting this Holy Week thing down. I sing in the choir. Last year, I sang for my very first ever Maundy Thursday. It was the first time I realized such a day existed.

Last Sunday prior was Palm Sunday and we brought in trumpets. Seriously awesome service. We processed in led by a pipe and drum band. From now on, I would like to be preceded by bag pipes everywhere I go. Please keep that in mind if you ever choose to invite me somewhere. It was the first Palm Sunday service I had ever been to in my life.

For Easter, we did an amazing cantata where we brought in an orchestra. Did I mention that the church I grew up in was anti-instruments? Yeah. I was 28 years old before I ever sang in a church choir. And I'm a well trained first soprano. I had a full tuition and fee waiver as a vocal music major in college. Didn't finish, but that's another story.

My point here is that this is really all very new to me. I'm fascinated by the whole Holy week events. I'm blown away by Christmas productions (I was the soloist for our Christmas cantata). I think I really finally get it that it doesn't really matter whether or not Jesus was born on December 25th. It's a day that early Christians got to celebrate it without being persecuted or killed because they lined it up with a pagan festival. Their courage made modern Christianity possible. That is worth celebrating, and what better way to celebrate it than to keep up the tradition?

Easter is even more worth celebrating. This day is commemorating Jesus's triumph over death. The day that He rose from the grave. This is the cornerstone of His promise to us as His followers.

After church, we got together with family. We had a lovely dinner and then sent the children outside to hunt the eggs. But this morning, before we even left for church, I asked my nine year old son what Easter was celebrating. He said, "The day Jesus rose from the dead." I didn't know that at his age. I agree with my childhood church's philosophy that we should be celebrating that every day, but I don't think having one special day set aside for it cheapens that idea in the least. I believe in reinforces it.

You know, the vast majority of us pay taxes with each and every paycheck that we receive. We don't actually think about it because it's the same each and every time we get paid. We only think about it when it comes time to file our taxes once a year. If communion is the same each and every week, by human nature we become just as complacent. By taking the time out to focus on what it means, we are forced to realign ourselves. I know, I just compared salvation and taxes, but it works. Except, of course, that on Easter we are reminded of how much we get for so little. When we file our taxes we are reminded of how little we get for so much.

I'm rambling and should probably end this entry. I'll leave it with this: Christ's death and resurrection extends grace and salvation to us all. We are all fallen creatures in a fallen world, but because of His sacrifice, we can be saved. This isn't limited to those belonging to any specific church or denomination. I believe that only God knows a man's heart and holds the keys to salvation. I believe that He is far bigger than any human boundaries and labels that we have tried to put on Him. Jesus told a thief condemned on an adjacent cross that he would be in Heaven with him that very day. This thief was not a "good" guy. He wasn't a member of any church. He didn't jump through any legalistic hoops. He didn't deserve salvation. At least, not any more than the the rest of us do.

Random Musings

2008-03-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've just gone way off the deep end and shared a random synapse fire with you. So I figure that it is high time. Hmm, 'high time,' what does that mean anyway? Does that mean that this exact moment is currently toking on some sort of doobie? Well considering today's random thought, that is entirely possible. For the moment to be toking, not me. I don't do that sort of thing.

And now, without further adieu, today's completely random question:

If my bologna was Catholic, how many names would it have?

Would people wish to be a related wiener?

Would that change the design of the Pope-mobile?

All things to ponder over various completely non-Kosher meals.

At Least This Politician Knows His Place

2008-03-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

Florida State Senator Victor Crist is sponsoring groundbreaking legislation that promises to wipe out a large percentage of the crap in Florida. His far reaching bill seeks to shed light on the johns in the state. He wants to be certain that all restaurants provide enough squares to each patron utilizing their facility. For once, a politician is not only looking out for his own backside, but the backsides of all his constituency. Senator Crist is not taking the waste problem sitting down.

Or maybe he is.

You see, Senator Crist is sponsoring legislation that would mandate that all eating establishments have "enough" toilet paper in their restrooms. One must wonder how to quantify "enough." Does this measurement hinge on the type of food provided? I would assume that eating like a rabbit would produce rabbit like turds and so therefore, "enough" would be very different for a vegetarian establishment than an assplosion inducing Tex-Mex eat-porium. A colon-pounder with cheese would have different requirements than a tofurkey.

Seriously folks, haven't the politicians gone far enough? Do we really need them in our bathrooms? Sure they might be far more qualified to wipe your ass than pen legislation, but aren't we paying them to actually do something? When we asked them to clean up the shit, we didn't mean it literally.

I will admit frustration and even embarrassment at finding myself at the tail end of a roll with no relief in sight. Never once have I asked in that situation, "What the gubment gonna do?" (I never use such poor grammar in speaking to myself anyway.) Maybe that just means I really am a Conservative. I really believe that politicians have no place in my bathroom. It's kind of a private area, and I would like to keep it that way.

And so if Senator Crist would really like to make a difference, he should get his nose out of the shit and deal with the real assholes.

Signs of Spring

2008-03-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

Even though an entire hour was recently hijacked out of my life while I slept, I am enjoying the signs of the pending spring.

Here are the daffodils blooming in my backyard. I really like to cut a few and put them in a cobalt blue vase. Maybe I'll take some to work this week.

This is the Bradford Pear blooming in the front yard. They are lovely to look at. If you aren't familiar, never never never inhale while standing under a Bradford Pear in bloom. They are quite pungent and not in a pleasant sort of way. But it still makes for a nice picture.

And this is my very favorite part of the improving weather. Open toed shoes. I really need to redo my pedicure. Hooray for springtime! I'm so ready to say good-bye to winter.

Meeting Expectations

2008-03-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

I did that stupid thing that mothers are warning us not to do. I invited someone that I had just met on the internet to meet me in real life. Yeah, in person, face-to-face and everything. I'm half crazy. but you probably already knew that. Although, I will say that if you are going to meet a new online friend in person, the gun range is a damn fine choice in venues.

My impulsiveness paid off, and we had a really good time. I hope that I have a new friend. Thanks Rachel! And it's an open offer to come shooting with us any time you just happen to be our direction. Even if you did set the bar a little high for me.

I'm getting to be a pretty good shot with my .357. Look here then here, in that order. I practice with it a lot and have been constantly seeking the advice of the advanced instructor. His advice has been invaluable, and I think I owe him dinner. That might just be fun anyway.

But this weekend, the .357 wasn't my focus. One of the guys in my office loaned me his .40 Sig Pro to play with and take my carry and conceal test. In Oklahoma, if you take your test with a semi-automatic, then you can be approved to carry a pistol, a revolver, or a derringer. If I were to take the test with my revolver, then I would be limited to wheel guns. I want to keep my options open. The Sig is a sweet pistol. I loaded 10 rounds in my first magazine, took aim at my target which was less than ten feet away, and proceeded to only punch 2 holes in the paper. Nice. Yeah, that's promising. I didn't have any trouble with recoil. In fact, it doesn't kick as hard as what I'm used to. No, apparently, I was having trouble lining up the sights correctly. With the next magazine, I made a straight line up the center of my target and should not have any further problems, but I have to admit that I kind of felt like I needed to be issued a helmet and mittens for that one.

Overall, we had a really good time. I got to make a new friend too which is always a good thing. Oh yeah, and we bought another gun too. It's a WWII era Smith & Wesson .38 special M&P. If you've never had an opportunity to fire one of these, you are missing out. Once it's home, I'll post some pictures.

Thank You!

2008-03-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

I am amazed and humbled by my readers. Honestly, I nearly choked on my beer when I sat down to check my statistics this evening. There were 303 hits on Friday and another 112 on Saturday. Wow! You've thrown my average, and I'm thinking that I had better get some more content up for you to enjoy. Please do let me know if there are things you would like to see. I won't promise to hit every reader suggestion, but I will read them. You can find my email in the "About Me" section on the sidebar. I also see and read each comment as it comes across.

As you may have noticed, I joined the BlogHer network. Not only do they serve nice ads that can help me offset my time spent here, but they also have a headline rotation of other members. They have requested that I ask my readers to please fill out a survey. Its completely voluntary, but it will help me and the other members to hopefully improve our content and land more ads. I promise you, if I am making money, I will write lots more. So, if you are so inclined, please click the picture to take the survey. Thanks again!

Hiring a Prostitute is bad- M'kay

2008-03-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to link to the entire interwebs so that you can read yet another story on Elliot Spitzer. Here's my take because I know that you are on pins and needles waiting to find out. He's a horny bastard and is only sorry that he got caught.

I don't really give a damn whether or not his wife was putting out at home. Yeah, that's bad for a marriage. Yes, she may carry some blame for the breakdown of their relationship, but she carries absolutely no blame in the whore poking scandal. The only way you could place this on her head is if she took him by the hand and led him to the house of ill repute.

Men have urges. That does not mean that they are not responsible for the decisions that they make. I am shocked that the men of the world are not outraged with the accusation that they are no better than animals ruled by their most base instincts.

I shouldn't be surprised though. Our society has given so many handouts and encouraged the victim mentality so much that people have ceased to believe they are responsible for their own actions. Too many men have allowed rape apologists to blame the shortness of a woman's skirt rather than their own violent intentions, so why should I be surprised at the silence here? Too many women are willing to treat their bodies as an amusement park.

For the record, "Kristen" is no victim here either. She's an adult that decided to become a prostitute. She will have her 15 minutes, but she will always be remembered as Spitzer's whore. She chose that path as an adult. The things that drove her to that decision don't really change the fact that it was her decision to make.

More Shooting Stuff

2008-03-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

For those that offered advice on this post (Instinct and Don), thank you. You guys are awesome. Actually, the previous target that I posted was the first day I got my .357 (she really needs a name) back from her maker. She was still wearing the Hogue monogrip. It's a nice grip, but doesn't fit as comfortably as the Ahrends. When I took it home to clean it, I switched them out. Here is my Saturday target.
Better? No more flinch with the other grip and a little more practice. Thank you for the advice anyway, I will absolutely keep that in mind.

Apparently, the Oklahoma legislature agrees that putting guns in the hands of law abiding citizens actually reduces crime. They are currently trying to pass a bill to allow certain college students to carry their handguns on campus. There haven't been any of the shootings on an Oklahoma college campus that I know of, but I really do believe that passing this bill will keep it that way.

The measure was approved 65-36, despite opponents who said it made no sense following shootings at schools across the country.

Ah how much I love by back-woods redneck state. The good ol' boys 'round these parts have an idear about handguns.

10 Years Today

2008-03-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it. My husband/boyfriend/best-friend-with-benefits and I have been together for ten whole years now! (Our 10 year wedding anniversary is in December)

Committing to spending my life with my very best friend has been the best thing ever. I highly recommend it. Although, this person will have to be your special friend, mine is taken. Michael is wonderful, witty, and passionate. I'm a very lucky girl. We've been through a lot together, and it has only brought us closer.

So I'm feeling pretty good today, and I browsed on over to one of my favorite bloggers only to find that she was linking me. Thank you Rachel Lucas. I'm feeling remarkably cool and like maybe I should clean up the place since your readers will probably be visiting. If you came from there, welcome. Please make yourself comfortable.

Well it came as a shock to me

2008-03-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

Will wonders never cease? I found a feminist that I seem to be able to have a rational discussion with.

Let me give you some background. I joined the BlogHer network recently. I'm sure some of you may have noticed the new ads showing in the sidebar. Just below the ads, there are links to headlines written by other members of BlogHer. I was very excited to see my post, A Woman's Right to Choose, in the BlogHer rotation.

Since I was looking, I decided to check out other headlines. And I found The Curvature. Although I may disagree with some of her ideas, I respect her. She disagrees with me as well. There are issues where we agree, and I may cover these in the future. Respectful debate is the only way to progress especially on delicate issues like abortion.

I am pro-life personally. I believe that once a child is conceived, he or she deserves the rights granted to any other living creature. I think abortion is a tragedy and should only be employed in the most extreme cases. I do not think criminalizing abortion is the way to get there. I am sick of the pro-lifers that will give their time to protest a clinic but not to reach out to a girl in crisis. And I believe the vast majority of women in that position are in some sort of crisis. This is not the time to ridicule them and label them with scarlet letters. I don't believe any woman sets out to have an abortion. I believe every woman that is considering one wishes that she had never gotten pregnant (or had a medical condition) in the first place. These pro-lifers have entirely too many members in common with the crowd that labels single mothers as whores. It's no wonder they consider termination as an easy way out. These girls need compassion.

Abstinence is certainly an option. I believe it is the best option for single women, but I don't have the right to force my beliefs on anyone else. God gave us free will on purpose. I can only share my beliefs and why I carry them. I also think that all forms of birth control should be readily available. (Guess I just gave away the fact that I'm not Catholic.) In my opinion, the best way to combat abortion is with education, options, and support. I would challenge any pro-lifer that is willing to give their time and money to protest a clinic, instead take in an unwed mother that was kicked out of her parent's house and help her find adoptive parents for her unborn child. Let her know that she is worth the time, energy, and love bestowed upon her. That would speak volumes beyond any words that could ever be written on a sign.

What? You mean gun ownership actually REDUCES crime?

2008-03-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

People don't like the idea of possibly getting shot. Did you realize that this applies to criminals to a far larger degree than law abiding citizens? Criminals get really freaked out when law abiding citizens start carrying guns that they know how to use. No really, check it out. The rate of sexual assaults fell when women started carrying guns in Florida. But you don't have to take my word for it. Doot doot doot (That joke is lost on anyone not familiar with Geordi LaForge's Reading Rainbow.)

When sexual assaults started rising in Orlando, Fla., in 1986, police officers noticed women were arming themselves, so they launched a firearms safety course for them. Over the next 12 months, sexual assaults plummeted by 88 percent, burglaries fell by 25 percent and not one of the 2,500 women who took the course fired a gun in a confrontation.

And they didn't even fire a shot. Far be it from me to assume to know the motivation of another person, but I'm betting it's because these guys didn't want to get shot. Criminals are generally not the most intelligent of characters, but they know that if they attack someone that is armed then they are likely to get shot. As mentioned before, people don't really like getting shot. I mean, it doesn't seem like a real good time to me.

By the way, my .357 returned from Smith & Wesson on Friday. I went to the range.
Wanna mess with me? I didn't think so.

Incredibly Girlie Squeeeeeel Moment!

2008-03-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

I got to do something every girl would love to do today. You know what it is? Well I did get kissed by a stud with good breeding, but that's not what I am referring to. I got to play with a newborn premature filly today. She was only 28 hours old and born 34 days early.

Every girl love horses, and the babies are so deliciously adorable. I just want to hug them all. I'm really lucky. One of my good friends and co-workers is Julie Allard of Allard's Horse Haven so when each year's foal crop is born I get to go and see them. (If you go and buy a horse from her, tell her that I sent you.) They are so insanely cute. If I could take them home and snuggle them in my tiny living room, I totally would. Unfortunately my postage stamp sized back yard isn't really big enough to take one of these precious babies home with me. But I won't live here forever.

I know you are just dying to see the new baby, so here she is!

Click on the picture for a bigger image.

The previously mentioned stud was horse. Beautiful buckskin named Two Joe. I don't have his picture, but will try and get it from Julie.

Sometimes, You find your own fun

2008-03-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

At the risk of becoming "that girl with the bathroom photos," I bring you this treasure.
This particular scene happened in my office on Monday. This is the one and only ladies room in the office. As I am sure you can plainly see, it was out of order due to maintenance. But just in case one of the ladies didn't realize that one should not use the toilet when it is not attached to the floor, someone added this helpful sign.
Seriously, you can't make this stuff up. The ensuing laughter at the sight of sign made me nearly wet myself. The heart is my favorite part. I have to tell you, it's very difficult to take a focused picture while snickering and doing the pee-pee dance. (Did I really just say 'pee-pee dance?')
As a matter of fact, while being privately cracked up about the scene, I got busted by the note leaver. I explained that I could not resist the picture. Being an awesome girl with a fantastic sense of humor herself, she actually offered to pose in the picture. That proved rather dangerous since unmounted toilets are a long way from stable. In her defense, she posted the very helpful note before the toilet was removed from the floor. At that time, it really did look like a perfectly usable facility.
Here's my positive message for today: Find humor in mundane places. Laugh at the ludicrous. Share a strange talent. Like writing Haikus about the restroom.

End of the paper
Oh the horrors all alone
The shelf out of reach

Dripping, worrying
Linoleum barrier
Stretch without slipping

All the ladies know
They have been there once or twice
Elegance falters

Domestic Distress Call

2008-03-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

Help! I've lost a graphic novel! Actually 2 of them, but it's 2 copies of the same thing. One is actually intended as a gift. Shh-don't tell my brother-in-law. I put them in the home office, and I have absolutely no idea how I could ever lose something in a room that looks like this:

I would swear that I put them on top of my comic book boxes. There on the left side of the picture, under our range bag (the blue back pack crammed between the boxes). Or maybe they are there between my computer towers under my desk. The one in the foreground of the picture is a Windows XP/Debian Linux dual boot HP. The one in the background is my Mac G4. (Yes, Instinct-a Mac. And I'm writing this entry on my Mac iBook in the living room) I'm a nerd, and a disorganized nerd at that. Guess I didn't really need to point that out since I already made reference to my comic book boxes. Oops, went off on a tangent there.

This room is a perfect example of what happens when domestically-challenged random creatives get married. I would love to claim that this is the exception, but I would be lying to you. There is a hair dryer, a dremel-style tool, and a four drawer file cabinet in the kitchen. I don't know why anything ever gets lost here.

My mother-in-law will be mortified, and since I just found out today that she is reading my blog, I should probably clean up the place. I'll hide the laundry and get the toilet paper out of the living room before she shows up. Maybe the shirt she gave me today should be hanging in my closet rather than from the leg of the coffee table standing in the dining room. But there is still hope! In order to work a day off of his 3 week grounding, my son cleaned the bathroom. He even cleaned the mirror. Check out his work.

I think he earned the shortened sentence. There's hope for us yet!

My husband, after asking if I was also planning to share pictures of our dirty underwear, suggested that I should make a game out of these pictures. So, here is a list of some unusual things found in these 2 pictures. The first person that can locate them all will get kudos from me, and I will tell everyone else that reads this blog how incredibly cool you are. Maybe, just maybe, if I can find something interesting to send, I will send you something random from one of these two rooms. Don't hold your breath on receiving it though. As I've pointed out before, I am the queen of procrastination and I'd hate for you to be asphyxiated. See, I really do value my readers.
1. Cat butt (extra points if you know the cat's name)
2. Bi-Plane kite
3. Leather tools
4. Saxophone playing blue M&M
5. Peace Lily
6. Wine Corks
7. Pinkish-orangish candle
8. Something made with cucumber
9. Dandruff shampoo
10. Outdated digital camera
And the bonus: Uninstalled Mac processor (no, you won't get this as a prize. You can't have the cat butt either)

A Woman's Right to Choose

2008-02-27T19:53:00.000-08:00

This is one of the most heartbreaking things that I have ever read. Michelle Malkin covered it very well today.

The issue of side effects, particularly of the emotional kind, of abortion is one generally ignored by the main stream media. This poor girl was a victim of a crass and callous system that puts its own agenda ahead of the rights of women and children. Yes, I said ahead of the rights of women. This girl went to the hospital terrified and told them that she didn't want to kill her babies and yet the doctor went ahead with the procedure, offering her no more counseling than a phone number.

Understand that I believe whole-heartedly in a woman's right to choose. She has every right to choose whether or not she has a child and that right reaches all the way through to conception. Women today have the obvious option of not engaging in activities that could result in pregnancy. They also have pills and devices easily accessible to control the family size. Personally, I am choosing not to have another child at this time and so therefore I take a pill every day. I know that there are those that would tell me that my choice is wrong, and I respect their feelings in the matter. I am a happily married working mom and so abstinence is not really a viable option for me. I'm not ready to take the more permanent step of sterilization at this point in my life. Since I do work full-time outside of my home, I do not feel it would be fair to my son to divide my already limited time with him. I'm also not one of those women for whom motherhood is a defining characteristic. I love my son, but I've never really been much of a kid person. I deeply respect the women with large families, but I do not believe that is what I was designed to do. That being said, I also believe that God is far more powerful than my birth control. If it is in His will that I have another child, then I will. I would not ever, ever terminate a precious life that God had entrusted to me.

What really gets me here is that the so-called 'pro-choice' movement isn't offering a choice at all. Rather, they try to convince women who are already at their wits end that the child growing inside them is nothing more than a ball of cells to be removed. They are selling death to a woman looking for answers, but it's alright because they package it like its nothing more than a tonsillectomy. Emma's story is not unique, but these are the things liberals don't want you to know. It doesn't look good for their 'caring' image. It doesn't help their agenda. If people think and feel they do not make good sheep.

The fact is that they don't care. The human life has no value. And these people want to manage your health care. No, I would not like fries with that thank you very much.

So please, left loonies, go sterilize yourselves to save the environment. Hmm, who was the last person to use sterilization and population control to advance their agenda? Oh that's right! It was Hitler. Funny, he was pro-gun control and anti-Jew too. Sounds like he was a far better embodiment of leftist ideals than JFK ever even thought about being.

Jennifer's Head Can Occasionally Swell

2008-02-25T14:16:00.000-08:00

That's me. Fairly typical look too. I blow dried the hair creating my unruly but still fun mop, and no make-up. This would be the standard weekend look. It does still include fabulous shoes, but my bathroom mirror is not full length. Yes, my bathroom mirror is in desperate need of a good cleaning. I have never claimed to be domestic. Change out the jeans for some slacks or a skirt and you've got my usual work look. Since you had only seen me in my profile picture, I thought you should see what I look like on a normal day. The profile picture was taken almost two years ago at my best friend's wedding. As her maid of honor, I had to actually do my hair and make-up for the big event. Well actually, another friend did my hair. It has never looked like that again.
So now you are thinking, "Um, Jennifer? Are you ever going to get to the point? Do you even have a point?"
Yes actually, I'm glad you asked.
One of the guys that works at the local gun range worked with Michael several years ago. This was a couple of jobs before Michael met me. Upon reuniting, the conversation was the standard.
Old Friend: Hey Mike. Good to see you. How have you been? You've lost hair since I saw you last.
Michael: I've been good. Yeah, that figures since the last time you saw me I was about 17. I'd like you to meet my wife Jenni.
Old Friend: (shakes hand) It's nice to meet you. (turns to Michael) You've done well.

Every woman knows that "You've done well" in that situation is really man code for, "You're wife is cute (or hot or pretty--something complimentary)." We accept the polite compliment and don't think anything else about it. The part that makes it funny is what happened on a later visit. At this visit, the old friend makes it a point to pull my husband aside, and in a stage whisper to make any four year old proud says, "I think your wife is hot!" LOL! I love it.

Well not 2 weeks later, I take my department out for our monthly departmental lunch. The conversation turns to the upcoming audition coming through Oklahoma for America's Next Top Model. One of the girls says, "I think Jennifer should try out for that." No, I am not in her chain of command. She goes on to tell me that she thinks I'm so pretty and that she thinks that I could just wear anything. She proceeds to tell me that she has always said that. All the while I am trying to come with a polite response that doesn't sound like I'm full of myself or self deprecating. I went with the honest response, I actually tried the modeling thing and it just wasn't for me. I stifled the voice in my head that was laughing and screaming, "You couldn't do that! You're 5'4", almost 30, and you've got cellulite and stretch marks! I don't think that's what Prada is really looking for this season." But you know, when they finally decide that the heroin waif is not so pretty, then they can give me a call.

I'm enjoying the compliments lately. I'm sure my head will swell enough to throw me off balance at which point I will topple over into something embarrassing like kitty yak which will bond to my hair and thus negate any inflated image built.

On a side note, I did jog around the block today. I'm still short and almost 30, but the cellulite will not win! And no, I still did not clean the mirror.

Queen of Procrastination

2008-02-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, that title is all mine. I have earned it fair and square. I'm off work today, Monday, February 25th. No special reason, just burning my last vacation day before it expires on my anniversary next month. Would you like to know what I am doing?
What worthwhile thing that has been sitting in the corner of my living room taunting me?
I'm signing and sending out my Christmas cards. No, not early. I purchased stamps for them back in December. I even printed all my address labels. They must go out now before the price of stamps increases again. Besides, I'm tired of Santa staring out at from below shiny clear plastic.
Maybe if I get them sent, I can finally say good bye to winter! That's probably been the problem all along. By keeping me shivering, maybe I would be reminded of Christmas and send the jolly elf on his way. Hand cramps be damned! I'm shipping these out today!

Dear Sunny Part 2

2008-02-17T19:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Sunny,
Emerson wanted you to see his classy side. Although he is tough and knows how to use his claws when needed, he is also able to host a diplomatic state dinner.
Emerson knows that you are reviewing applications for the right running mate and feels it is important that you understand what kind of cat he is.
Emerson is very concerned with the economy. He lives within his means. He has a nice three tier cat tree with two catnip balls. Although he would have been approved for the full cat-castle with hammocks, ropes, and multiple towers, he didn't get it because he understood that interest rates will change and he would soon be over his head. Therefore, he does not feel compelled to bail out the selfish morons that can't understand basic economics. If they need to sell their castle and move into a kitty condo, tough. They will have learned their lesson and won't make the same mistake next time.
Emerson and I have spent a lot of time discussing the entitlement crisis that exists in our society. It is just in kitteh's (and doggies) nature to take the treat when it is offered. He admits that he has even accepted treats that he did not earn. His proposed solution is to return charity to the private sector. Those that have earned their treats will then have the option of sharing them with those less fortunate. But if they choose to keep their tuna (or pork) all for themselves, they have that right as well. In this way, citizens can choose what charities they want to support. If they want to hand their surplus treats out freely with no questions asked, they have that right. But if they want to only support charities that are working to return the less fortunate to the work force and thus tax paying citizens, they have that right as well. A capitalist nation has no responsibility to feed those that do not work. The government is not in the business of charity.
After discussing health-care at length with Emerson, he reminded me that he would still prefer to never, ever ride in the vomit inducing vehicle only to be poked with something sharp while they tell him what a good kitteh he is. He did remind me that it is a far better experience when it is his turn than with the interloper. He did state that some changes should be made. First of all, the price of a medical procedure should be the same whether you come in to pay for it in cash or if it will be paid by your insurance company. This would allow people (and wage earing dogs and cats) to use personal savings as their own medical insurance. Also, insurance companies should be able to compete across state lines. In this way, the free market will naturally regulate the rates without costing tax payers.
Since Ferrule was mentioned, Emerson felt he must tell you more about the brat. Since it is apparent that he has been granted amnesty by the home owners, he felt it was necessary that he learn the rules of the house. And these rules must be enforced. As evidence of the training and enforcement given to Ferrule, Emerson submits this picture of Ferrule pooping in the toilet.
No, he does not flush as he is too easily entertained by the swirling water and the humans don't want to pay for that.
Emerson would like to invite Sunny to have a drink with him and discuss matters further.
Sunny/Emerson '08

PS. Emerson does not believe that our souls are broken.

Attention TMobile Customers Updated

2008-02-15T07:35:00.000-08:00

Get the word out! I read this on Rachel Lucas's site. This is outrageous.

T Mobile vs. Gymboree
February 10th, 2008
by Doug Miller

Two weeks ago tonight I had visitors from out of town. My daughter, my son-in-law and my 2-year-old granddaughter came to visit. My son-in-law was in the Navy, and they were transferring from Virginia Beach to Ingleside. We were all glad to see that they were going to be living closer to home.

They left my house about 8:30pm and headed north on 377—the “back way” to Lake Dallas, where my ex-wife lives—to spend the night.

They didn’t make it.

They were struck by a car trying to pass in a no passing zone in Roanoke and my son-in-law and granddaughter were killed instantly. My daughter was careflighted to JPS and had emergency surgery. She will make a complete physical recovery.

In the last two weeks, I was tasked with more items to complete than I can even remember. Besides making the funeral arrangements, one of the menial tasks was to replace my daughter’s phone that was destroyed in the accident. I figured, no problem, I’ll run to TMobile, her provider, and get a loaner. I’ve done this multiple times with my employee’s phones, I’d run to AT&T/Cingular and pick up a phone until we could get a replacement off EBay or some other used phone outlet.

The “gentleman” who is the manager of the TMobile store in Southlake told me under no circumstances could he give me a phone. I wasn’t authorized on my son-in-law’s account. I explained to him that my daughter had just gotten out of ICU and was needing a phone to make some phone calls. Not going to happen. I told him that I was willing to give them my credit card to secure the phone, but to no avail.

When I explained that the United States Navy had cut all sorts of red tape to make my task easier, they didn’t care. When I told them the DFW National Cemetery had gone out of their way to make things happen on our schedule, they didn’t care. They wouldn’t budge.

I called TMobile when I got home, got a sympathetic person on the line and was told she would try to get a phone out to my daughter. She also encouraged me to send a letter to the CEO. I did, and was so angry I FedEx’ed it out Monday morning.

Tuesday I got a call from somebody at the company headquarters…but got the same answer. No dice…no phone…no bending of any of the rules. In fact, they had cancelled the order that the customer service agent had placed on my behalf. I explained to the “lady” that I could very easily go get a new account from AT&T and have a lot less stress in my life; she didn’t budge. I told them what I thought of their company, hung up the phone, called my AT&T rep and got my daughter set up with a new account in 5 minutes.

I told the people at TMobile that I would tell everybody what a bunch of douchebags they are, and hence the post.

Let me tell you a story about how customer service SHOULD work.

My son in law returned from deployment in November of 2007. My daughter had ordered a little navy outfit for my granddaughter to wear during the homecoming ceremony and her wish was for my granddaughter to be buried in this outifit. Problem is, their household goods are being shipped from Virginia to Corpus, and there is no telling where they are.

My wife and I came home from the hospital and searched Gymboree.com, only to find that it was apparently last year’s outfit and had been discontinued. We searched EBay, and couldn’t find one in the size that was needed and didn’t have any luck on Craigslist either.

I sent a desperation email to Gymboree customer service about 1am on Friday morning, letting them know of the situation and asking for help. They responded Friday with an email stating that they would do everything in their power to try to find one, but they couldn’t promise anything.

Saturday morning the supervisor of Customer Service called my wife crying…telling Shannon they had found the outfit, had pooled their own money and they were FedEx’ing it to us immediately. We offered to reimburse them, but she refused. She had a two-year-old of her own, and the story of what happened to my granddaughter touched her and she wanted to hep.

I have sent the CEO of Gymboree a letter via FedEx telling them what a great bunch of employees they have, and they should be proud. TMobile can rot in hell.

I would also like to take this moment to thank the fine people at the Roanoke Police and Fire Departments, the Keller PD and Fire Department and the fine people at Careflight. Without them, my daughter wouldn’t have made it. I am forever in their debt.

~~I am writing this from my Blackberry and so apologize for any awkward formatting and spelling errors. I will clean it up when I am able to use more than my thumbs. Fellow blog writers, please repost.~~

I have finally made it back home to the Mac and have use of all fingers. The thumbs have returned to their rightful purpose managing the space bar. I will re-iterate, please get the word out.

If you would like to help the family in any way, they ask for prayers, and if you wish, donations to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in the name of Josh and Maddie Adkison.

I will Not be intimidated

2008-02-13T20:23:00.001-08:00

The life of artist that created this image has been threatened by radical Muslims. Yes, Mr. Westergaard has received death threats from radical practitioners of the 'religion of peace'. Michelle Malkin is again calling bloggers to show their solidarity by reprinting their choice of Mohammed cartoons.
Some people find this image offensive. Some may think that I am being insensitive to their religion. Let me explain. I mean as much respect by posting this image as the person holding this sign.
Or maybe one that has one of the lovely sayings like, "Death to infidels." I hold them is as high esteem as they hold me, a woman with a job that is not afraid to speak her mind. A woman who was not afraid to write this in October of last year.
I will not be intimidated by those who wish to take my freedom. I will not be intimidated by those who continue to kill their wives and daughters as an act of 'honor.' I am not afraid.

Dear Sunny

2008-02-11T18:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Sunny Lucas,

With all of the turmoil happening in the election, Emerson has decided he would like to enter the race. Although he is not interested in the presidency at this time, it has become abundantly clear that what the candidates need is a strong running mate. Someone that both compliments and balances the presidential candidate. After researching those in the running, Emerson humbly requests that you consider him for your running mate. That is, if you can get over the obvious urge to eat him.

Here are some of the reasons that Emerson is specially qualified to be the running mate of Sunny Lucas:

1. What better way to gain the kitteh vote? You are a strong and yet polarizing candidate. Although many of the felines agree with your views, it is difficult to vote for a dog in office.

2. Emerson has very strong feelings about illegal immigration. Emerson came to live in his home through the appropriate channels. He was rescued by Pets for Friends and adopted through their partnership with PetSmart. Fees were paid and legal hoops were jumped through. Life was good for Emerson until almost 2 years ago. Emerson's human felt sorry for a little underfed, flea-ridden, nearly hairless wild kitten and brought him into the house. Ferrule skipped all the appropriate channels and was suddenly given lap time with the human. He still remains in the house to this day. Here he is wearing a Saint Patrick's Day t-shirt hanging out with the beer.
It's difficult to tell from the picture, but I promise that he is nothing more than a freeloading bum that has stolen his human's affection. He steals the treats and runs away with the toys. Something must be done before more like him are allowed to enter Emerson's home. Emerson proposes putting up a fence and posting guards to check his humans (especially the mama one) for freeloading stowaways. The guards will pay for themselves with the money saved because the humans will not have to feed the freeloaders. The established, legal adoption/immigration program works quite well and controls the flow of ingrates. It needs only to be enforced.

3. As I am sure you can tell from the picture, Emerson is definitely anti-gun control. Gun control laws only serve to limit law abiding citizens and does nothing to prevent crime and protect the innocent.

4. Emerson understands that we are a country at war and must finish the task at hand. Otherwise, our national security would be compromised.

5. And finally, Emerson believes that, like him, all politicians should be neutered (or spayed). He believes that this is the most efficient and reliable way to prevent distractions and scandal that would tarnish the office of the President of the United States.

Emerson is very serious about this request and is anxiously awaiting your response. Please respond at your earliest convenience.

By the way, Emerson is not a big fan of pork or green beans so there will be no risk of him trying to get in on that action.

Sunny/Emerson '08

Berkeley vs The Marines

2008-02-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

The Problem

As you may have expected, I have a solution. And being a blogger, I am in such a position of authority to present my solution to all who might deem it worthy of reading.

I think the Marines, actually all military entities, should listen to the protesters and council members and immediately vacate Berkeley. I think they should bow to the city pressures and create a city with absolutely no military presence. I know what you're thinking, hear me out. I think they should then make known to the entire world that the US military has no presence in Berkeley. The military should remain absent from Berkeley until such time as the opposition to them is no longer present.

I give it two weeks.

Notice I did not say that the military should not return until they were invited back. As soon as the unfriendly people of the world learned there was a place on US soil with absolutely no military presence....well let's just say the opposition would be begging and pleading for the Marines to return to kill those "Exciting and Unusual People." The appropriate ass-kissing would be offered. But, as I said, the military should not return until these people are gone.

Think of the tax dollars that would be saved. Anyone with a brain in Berkeley would follow the Marines out. We can let the resources of one of our enemies eliminate some entitlement hungry moonbats. Then the Marines can come in and wipe out the enemy without all the travel expenses. Everybody wins!

Jennifer's .357 Magnum

2008-02-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

You know, I've mentioned that I purchased a new gun, but I've yet to show you. Shame on me. Do you want to see it?
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Of course you do, don't be silly. It's a brand new Smith & Wesson Performance Center 627 8-shot. It's got a Hogue grip and gold bead site straight from the factory. It comes in a nifty aluminum box. There is a reason I haven't shown you though. After shooting 32 rounds out of it (16 .357 Magnums and 16 .38 Specials), I discovered a chip in the frame. This is obviously a flaw that Smith & Wesson is sure to take care of for me, but it just made me sick and I didn't want to look at it for a while. That and my shooting was terrible immediately after having the flu. I was still weak and should have know better than to go to range, but it was new and I hadn't shot it yet. But my performance was not up to par. These things combined made me not want to think about it for a few days. I'm better now. I am nearly back to my pre-flu energy level and have accepted the fact that Smith & Wesson will be taking care of it and everything will be alright. (By the way, the flu sucks. Especially when all 3 members of your household get it at the same time. Makes everything stink too) So, without further delay, here is the new gun.

Jennifer’s .357 Magnum

Another one bites the dust

2008-02-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

Well, it isn't quite official, but realistically John McCain is the GOP nominee. Romney, with good reason, has dropped out. Although I am sad to see him go, his logic is sound. Many people have forgotten, but we are a nation at war. Romney knew he was losing and further campaigning would only serve to anger conservatives more about the eventual nomination of McCain. In effect, handing the campaign to the hippie Dems. He choked down his distaste in hopes of preserving the sovereignty of the United States. McCain has been consistent in his promise to continue the war on terror instead of running away with his tail between his legs. Mitt made a graceful exit.

I'm kind of feeling like I'm somehow cursed with the kiss of death. Each candidate I've committed my vote towards has dropped out. Hmm, maybe I could use that to some advantage and pledge my vote to the candidate I hate most. I think that's what Ann Coulter's real motivation may be.

So the GOP has decided that McCain is their man. It is what it is, like it or not.

The remaining question: Which Socialist are the Dems going to put up against him? We've got the fresh idealist and the power hungry crook.

I honestly don't believe that Obama is a bad guy. I think he really believes that his government programs can create some kind of Utopian society where everything is sparkles and rainbows. I think he really thinks he can tell the militant Islamic terrorists that we just want to be friends and they will stop trying to exterminate us. And wouldn't it be wonderful if he was right? Unfortunately he's misguided and naive. I kind of feel sorry for the guy. Electing him president would be like sentencing him to a horrible nervous break down. He wouldn't even see the inevitable failures coming. This eloquent orator would be reduced to a sniveling mass huddled in a dark corner of the oval office, covered in the sticky leavings of the last liberal to seek dark corners in the White House.

On the flip side, we have Hildabeast. Even if we just look at her recent history, we can see there is nothing honest about her. She used extortion, empty promises, money laundering, and fabricated people for campaign donations out of Chinatown. There is a strong suspicion that she tampered with the polling machines in New Hampshire. And then there is the matter of the $5 million she loaned her campaign that she is hoping her supporters pay back. Should be interesting what the accountants come up with when they comb through the Clinton's financial records. Oh that's right, it will be nothing. Just like Whitewater. If elected, she is certain to bring sleaze back to the White House. Those dark corners will be lonely no more.

We're getting a liberal in the White House. Whether RINO or actual Democrat; no other choices remain. It makes me want to hide in the sand for the next four years. But I can't do that. Instead I will load my gun, lock my doors, and pray that it's only four years.

I'm not dead yet!

2008-02-06T16:06:00.000-08:00

I'm still here. Just been busy in my real life. I promise, I haven't left you lovely people and will be posting more soon. And I promise, it will not all be political rants.

Homicidal Days

2008-02-06T16:04:00.000-08:00

Political night terrors have a way of screwing up a day. *twist-turn* The RINO is going to win. *turn-flop* It'll be okay, Romney was leading in the California polls. *sweating* Who am I kidding? You can't depend on California. *stretch-twist* Why are these idiots voting Huckabee? It's a 2 man race. He's only throwing the results. *turn* Damn, I've gotta pee.

And then to find out that it all came true. NNNNOOOOO!!!!! Shame on all of you people that didn't even bother to go to your local polling place. Shame on you people that voted for anyone that isn't actually in the running. A pox on all that didn't attempt to make an informed decision! And to the delegates in West Virginia--A plague on both your houses! (apologies to Shakespeare)

Yes, I know that it is still mathematically possible that the RINO is not going to be the nominee. It's a long shot, but if the voters in the remaining states get their heads out of their asses, there may still be a chance. So here's the simplified recap for those that still have a chance to cast their votes for the GOP.

Ron Paul--Mathematical impossibility. I don't care if you like him, even if he took all the remaining states he still would not have enough delegates for the nomination.

Mike Huckabee--Not running for President. He's running for Vice President. The only reason he is still in the race is to split the vote and throw the results

John McCain--RINO (Republican In Name Only). Backstabbing, underhanded tactics have put him in the lead

Mitt Romney--This is the lever you pull, the button you push, the line you fill in. He's the only Conservative left in the race.

I realize that the chances are now greatly improved that McCain will get the nomination. Grrr. I'm a long way from happy about that. I will bitch, and I will grumble. But by November I will have gotten over it. I will mutter my way into the voting booth and cast my vote for the RINO if that's the choice I have. Why? Because even though I don't like him, he's not a socialist (read Marxist or Communist).

Don't think I'm just following the party line here. The United States is currently suffering from an entitlement crisis. If the Dems win, they will make certain that those who have worked for what they have pay the bills of those who have not. Mark my words. The welfare rolls will bulge. Everyone who has made responsible decisions will be taxed to support those who have not. I know it sounds heartless, but I don't think I should be paying to feed the crack whore high school drop-out that sold her body to pay for her habit and now has a bunch of crack babies with health problems to care for. I'm not so naive to think that throwing money at these people will turn them into productive members of society.

At least McCain isn't going to strip our military (ala the first Clinton) so in four years we'll have a country left to rebuild.

Politics piss me off

2008-01-30T17:22:00.000-08:00

Just so you know, I am pissed off at the GOP. My first pick going into this primary season was Guiliani. He did great things in New York City, I made the assumption that he would do great things for the country. My next pick was Thompson. A true conservative. But these guys are both apparently morons. They each decided to actually campaign entirely too freaking late and then drop out when they didn't win these make or break states. The only reason they did not win these states is because no one was really certain whether or not they were serious about the race. Because they started campaigning too late. So now both have dropped out and I am left with RINO McCain or flip-flopping Morman Romney. I'm going for Mitt. It's easier to believe that he is a true conservative, and I have no question about his business savvy.

You know what else pisses me off? Idiotic feminists that claim to speak for me just because we happen to have matching genitalia. Rachel Lucas really said it best. "Vote with your vagina" Wow. That would take some very impressive muscle control and probably guarantee there was quite the male turnout at the polls. I don't even want to think about the hygiene issues there.

Presidential Campaign

2008-01-26T10:41:00.000-08:00

I know you're probably all wondering how I am feeling about the race for president now that the Fred has dropped out of the running. The truth is, I feel far too crummy with this evil satanic cold I seem to have caught to have actually put a lot of thought into it. But with Super Tuesday lurking just over the hill, I suppose I should.

My feeling about the Dems has not changed. I still think they are all Socialists and will tax us until we can't see straight. Which in their minds is okay since they intend to do all the thinking and seeing for the populace.

Which brings us to the Republicans.

Let's start with Ron Paul. Intelligent guy, I will give him that. Unfortunately, his ideas about Iraq and national security just won't work. In order for us to truly be neutral, we would have to follow the the same plan used by the Swiss. Which means that every able bodied person would be going to boot camp. Every single person that could would be carrying a loaded firearm. They would sleep with them under their beds and train with them regularly. Maybe I am just a cynic, but I just don't see the average bloated American going for that. Although I would pay to see the bleach blond, former trophy wife, soccer mom lumber her giant thighs out of her huge SUV to use the range to practice with her AR-15. That would be picture worthy.

Next we've got Huckabee. Here's a guy that wants to extend rights and benefits to illegal immigrants. He's pro-sanctuary cities and big government. This guy's actually running on the Republican ticket?

And speaking of RINOs (Republican In Name Only), we have the biggest of them all--John McCain. Yes, I respect that he served our country in war. I can't even imagine what it was like to be a POW in Vietnam undergoing the kind of torture that he did. I do not doubt his Patriotism for one minute. But the guy is certainly not a Conservative. He worked with Ted Kennedy (otherwise know as king liberal incarnate) to write a bill providing amnesty to illegal immigrants. He voted against the Bush administration tax cuts. The guy has been officially endorsed by the freaking NY Times for crying out loud! Bill Clinton even said referring to his wife:

And then he painted this scene: “She and John McCain are very close,” he said. “They always laugh that if they wound up being the nominees of their party, it would be the most civilized election in American history and they’re afraid they’d put the voters to sleep because they like and respect each other.”

Maybe he's not actually running for president. Maybe he is trying to be HildaBeast's running mate. Interesting that his biggest endorsements are coming from the wrong camp.

Which brings us to Guiliani. I still like this guy, but is he actually still running? He was the big dog in the park until he decided that his best strategy was to disappear. Maybe he's right. Maybe he has saved himself from the friendly fire of the early caucus/primary states. Only time will tell.

Finally, we have Mitt Romney. My opinion of him is decidedly improved. Yeah, he's got a wacky religion that I think is severely misguided, but at least he isn't a Scientologist. (Uh Oh, better duck the incoming lawsuits for calling Scientology a crackpot cult.) Romney is a Capitalist through and through. He's also a small government federalist that believes that the real power really does belong to the people. The Five Brothers blog on his campaign website is funny too. Nice to see that he has such a strong family and a good sense of humor. His wife, Anne, pretty cool too. If I can get over the whole Mormon thing, I might actually like this guy.

Nah. My endorsement is going to Sunny Lucas. She's a strong black bitch that isn't going to take it anymore. She's showing her teeth to the terrorists rather than rolling over and playing dead. Yeah, she's a dog, but are we so biased that we can't get over a species difference?

Randomness update

2008-01-22T17:21:00.000-08:00

I know, blog entries tapered off a bit. I got blocked on my work computer. I should be flattered. Either I am considered 'objectionable material' or enough of my co-workers were reading me that I qualify as a distraction. That does make it more difficult to write a daily entry though since I was doing it on my lunch break. That's alright, I have plenty of home machines from which to keep all of my very appreciated readers in tune with what is going on with me. I also believe that there are additional options for posting my regular ramblings. I know that you don't want to miss a single day of my opinions. I own a Blackberry and can type with my thumbs.

I have a question for you all, but I have to give you some background. I have a strange interest in the lives of celebrities. Not because I care, but it's like watching a train wreck. These people don't effect my life in anyway. So, I heard this today. It was all over the internet. My question is: Since my first thought was 'I really hope they finished filming the Batman movie since the preview was freaking cool' and not anything thing like 'Oh that's so sad and tragic and he was so young,' does that make me some kind of callous bitch? Or does it just mean I am grounded in the fact that Hollywood personalities have no bearing on my life beyond the entertainment they provide? Thoughts to ponder. You can tell me I'm a callous bitch in the comments. I'm a big girl, I can take it. And no, the sad and tragic thought wasn't even second. My second thought was 'Huh, I thought the next celebrity to drop would be Britney.'

So, I suppose RIP Heath Ledger. May gay cowboys guide you to your eternal rest. Well.....If I wasn't a callous bitch before, that comment did it.

By the way, a friend of a friend died today too. It didn't make the news, but I think she made something of her life. She was the mother of two and helped the local church youth group in regular fundraisers. I know she touched lives and do mourn her passing. I had a martini with a church elder(the friend in common) on Friday night and had the blessing of learning something about her before she passed. I regret that I didn't have the opportunity to know her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends in this difficult time.

Update: In reading today, I have learned that Heath Ledger seems to have been an upstanding guy. Since there is a shortage of them in Hollywood, he will be missed. Apparently, his kindness touched many lives in and out of Hollywood.

Can I get a Whah!

2008-01-22T16:43:00.000-08:00

Not that I am trying to turn this into some pro-life blog or anything, but whiny people just piss me off. Yes, I think abortion is murder, but I don't feel a special longing in my bosom to make all of you lovely people feel the same way. That said, get a load of this lady.

"If they had sent a letter explaining why they think abortion should not be allowed, I wouldn't have a problem with that. It was the plastic fetus that bothered me," Pollock said.

I am pretty sure the anti-abortion group felt a more tactile representation would be more effective. It's marketing. When someone wants to sell me soap, they send me a bar of it. I don't get offended and assume that the company is somehow telling me that I need a bath.

It wasn't bloody and torn apart. I have no idea what kind of pictures were in the accompanying literature, but apparently that is not what she was bothered by. I have to wonder, is she bothered because someone had the audacity to actually make her think about her position on this volatile issue? Was it too graphic? Has she seen a Truth commercial lately?

"I had to pay to have it returned because it was a non-profit mailing, which I was happy to pay. It was just over $1 and it was well worth it," Pollock said.

Well good for you lady! Next time I see a graphic anti-tobacco ad showing nasty blackened lungs or a man on a breathing machine, I'm going to mail my cable company a check for delivering it to me. I think I will just return whatever was spent to get that propaganda to me because I didn't enjoy looking at it. Great protest lady. I wonder if she realizes that now they have a perfectly good plastic fetus to send to someone else. Awesome! Now they don't have to pay some kid in China to make a new one to further oppress the masses.

I have to applaud this group not because they are making a stand against abortion, but because they are forcing people to actually engage the brains that they were blessed with. The brains that are nearly riddled with rigamortise in our media fed society. Make a stand for whatever the hell you want to, but fire some neurons in the process. Once presented with all the facts that you can gather you are equipped to make whatever decision or take whatever stance works for you. I might disagree with you. I might think you are an idiot for believing the way that you do. That's my right. But if you came to that decision by engaging all the faculties you possess, I am not going to shake you by my disagreement. If I do, your position needs more thought.

We are free to think and feel as we choose. That's the fundamental thing that is great about being an American. We do not have the right not to be offended. At the core of it all, my rights end where another person's begin. I can't steal your stuff because you earned that stuff and have a right to own it. I am not allowed to shoot you (even though I become more and more capable every day) because you have a right to live. Everyone has the right to their own stupid decisions. And everyone should face the consequences for the choices that they make.

I'm So Tired of Liberal Moonbat Ranting

2008-01-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

Because he enjoys sharing things with me that tick me off and wants to make sure I don't actually work while at work, my friend sent me this little rant. Clink on this link at your own risk, she might think you actually wanted to read her *ahem* "writing". I need giant air quotes to put around the word "writing". Use your imagination. I know, linking to her stands a chance of getting her hits. That's just a risk I'm going to have to take.

Here we go! Just so you will be prepared, she is apparently obsessed with skin color. I think in her mind I would qualify as a 'brown woman' since I don't tend to sunburn due to a very American mutt heritage.

I am so tired of pink men bombing brown children and rationalizing it as fighting terrorism.

Um, riiiight. Americans taking out tactical military targets of a country is bombing 'brown children.' I guess she has never seen this incredibly moving photo taken by Michael Yon. The 'brown children' were gathering around the 'pink men' only to be viciously attacked by terrorists. Yes, terrorists. For the benefit of this (huge air quotes) journalist (end huge air quotes), I will point out that they were 'brown men' although I believe their skin color is inconsequential. Their hearts are apparently black.

I am so tired of pink men telling women (of all colors) what to do with their wombs--which connect with their brains--in case you forgot.

Really?!?! Damn, I must have missed that day in anatomy. All this time I thought a woman's womb was specifically designed for carrying a baby. But liberals treat it like rental property to be occupied at the owner's whim. They want to protect the welfare leaching crack whore's home, but have no qualms evicting an innocent even though eviction=death for unborn children.

I am so tired of pink men having wives who stand behind them and nod sagely on television. I am so tired of pink men expecting that someone--a brown, black, yellow or white woman--will trail behind them changing light bulbs, taking out garbage, washing laundry, keeping food in the house, taking care of kids of all ages, of parents of all ages. I am so tired of pink men whose wives double or triple the family income thinking they can spend it without doing a damn thing at home.

Oh I get it! She's a feminazi shrew. Because she is incapable of choosing a worthwhile mate, she's going to lash out. If you are a woman that is only attracting worthless boys, maybe it's time you changed your strategy. Although, I have my doubts that she is actually even interested in men. But I'll avoid the personal attacks, apparently her childhood was horrific.

Don't tell me about women who kill. I know there are some--but fewer. So let's just remember our mothers--who bore us, protected us against our fathers and grandfathers and all the pink or brown men who wanted to rape us or kill us or starve us because we were girls.

I jumped to conclusions and for that I am sorry. I assumed from her photo that she didn't grow in a Muslim Extremist household. I guess I was wrong.

Knowledge is Power

2008-01-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

Go-Read-Learn.

As citizens, it is your responsibility to know when your freedoms are being infringed upon. Don't kid yourself into thinking that what happens in California is limited to California alone. Erosion is a process. Inconsequential little bits are taken away until nothing remains.

Entitlement Crisis

2008-01-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

Repeat after me: Handouts will not fix the economy.

Again.

And again.

I am sick and tired of hearing the liberal moonbats go on and on about federally funded programs to 'jump-start' the economy. The hildabeast decided to roll out her plan recently. Basically, she wants to take my hard earned money to bail out the selfish idiots that bought homes far above their means. I bought my house during the great housing boom. I could easily have gotten an adjustable rate mortgage and bought a house that dwarfs my eleven-hundred square feet. But I didn't. You want to know why? Because I'm not stupid. I bought within my means. I don't own a crystal ball that could tell me how the interest rate situation would be for the next 30 years. And neither does anyone else apparently. Now the foreclosures are flying and I am supposed to not only feel sorry for the people lacking the common sense to understand what they were betting into but also to foot the bill for their financial blunders. As if the stalling and dropping housing values weren't punishment enough.

Here's another thing to repeat: Adjustable Rate means that the interest rate will change.

Again.

You know, we've made bad financial decisions. We ran up a crap load of credit card debt and then couldn't pay it off. Guess who bailed us out. No one. We worked it out with the various creditors. We made payment arrangements. I took out a loan against my 401K. We did whatever it took. The creditors made deals with us. Some accepted reduced payoffs if we could give them a lump sum. The amount they write-off counts as income. You have to report it on your taxes. The tax hit for us was enough that we had to take out another loan. Nasty interest rate since we had run our credit score into the ground. Just as we paid that loan off, I lost my job. You know what happens to a 401K loan when you lose your job? It becomes a withdrawal. Which translates into another big tax hit. That loan is finally paid off. We've worked hard to rebuild our credit from our own financial blunders. It wasn't easy, but it also wasn't the responsibility of anyone else but us. Yeah, it sucked. It hurt to eat Ramen and drive a car with over 300,000 miles. I personally replaced the transmission on that one since we could afford to pay to have it done. Ordered the replacement transmission on eBay.

I'm not looking for any kind of sympathy there. We were stupid, and we had to make the sacrifices for it. Never once did we put our hands out to Uncle Sam to fix it for us. And we easily qualified to do so. The poverty line looked like a lofty goal at the time.

I'm ashamed of my peers in the entitlement generation. I'm appalled at out over-burdened system. I've no expectation of ever receiving a dime of the social security I have paid into my entire working life. It's embarrassing that this is the state of our society. People have forgotten that they make their own luck.

The only way for the government to help the economy is to cut taxes and government spending. Handouts will not fix the economy. Handouts are what got us here in the first place. You may think I'm crazy, but I think when you give people control of their own money, most will spend it wisely. Those that don't, really aren't my problem. That's not to say I don't support charities. I am absolutely in favor of voluntary charitable giving. I'm just tired of the Robin Hood attitude of the liberals.

Only in Heaven are we entitled to more than we have worked for, and that's because Jesus paid that price.

Tears of a Clown

2008-01-10T10:32:00.000-08:00

So some water works from Hildabeast convinced the women in New Hampshire to turn out in droves to support her. Grand. Think that ploy is going to work in office? I can just see it now, the televised plea to terrorists, her face streaming with crocodile tears, begging them to stop bombing our cities. I'm sure that will cause Middle Eastern women to step out in droves.....for their beheading.

Experience? Please. This is a woman whose experience consists of interning with a known Communist in California, hosting dinner parties at the White House, and making sure her husband's *ahem* cigar was taken care of. But she does have a lovely set of china to show for all her hard work. And lest we forget her failed pet project. All housewives need a hobby right? That's right, the disaster that was HillCare.

Yes, you can see a lot of 'change' coming from the Clinton dynasty. But much like the Dodge of the same name, it may be ugly but it just won't die. But change is the word this election, as with every election. And she promises-More pantsuits on the podium!

Paging Mr. Thompson and Mr. Giuliani. Gentlemen, the time has come to act. Show us that you are in this race, and we will get behind you. It's a helluva fight ahead, and I hope you've got your boxing gloves.

See! I'm not the only one that feels this way

2008-01-10T06:13:00.000-08:00

Read this. Ah the upcoming pillaging of the city all in the name of the idol of sportball.

Spontaneous Parenting

2008-01-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

I shaved my son's head this morning. At 6:30 this morning to be specific. And, shockingly, he didn't end up looking like a cancer patient. Well, at least to my 6:30AM mind he didn't. We shall see what he looks like when we pick him up from school. By that point, I will be fully caffeinated.

I've been putting off the haircut for far too long. And this child has about three heads worth of hair growing out of his head. Not to mention the giant swirl of cowlick that he inherited from my father. Thankfully that is the gene that decided to skip a generation rather than the one that would have caused me to have twins. Whew! I dodged some kind of bullet with that one. I also got to miss out on the cowlick.

But you know you have to do something when a pair of eight-year-old brown eyes peeks out at you from under a mop of morning anime hair and says, "Mom, would you cut it so short that I don't have to comb it?" Yes dear, I have clippers. Caffeine deficiency aside, the pleading look had to be answered. So I sheared the 10 pounds of hair off and Dad followed behind to clean up the edges and shave his neck. The hairy neck gene came directly from Dad. Guess that one doesn't skip a generation. Glad it's not contagious because I really like sharing germs with Dad.

I dusted the kiddo off and swept up the hair while Dad made morning elixir. Mmm, triple shot of fresh roasted espresso. You can read about our coffee habit here. All of this and we all still arrived at our designated places at the appropriate times. Amazing that such a lack of planning actually works out in a household full of random creatives.

Before you go and think I must have some very strange looking child. What with the hairy neck and cowlick. Really, he's a very attractive kid. Even complete strangers with no obligation to protect my motherly feelings say so on a regular basis. But he is far more handsome with the mop under control. Just to prove it, here is picture from before the haircut. Cameras are forbidden before coffee in my house.

See, told you. Trust me though, under that hood is an unruly mop. I understand that mine was also completely unmanageable when I was a child. Which would explain the constant braids or pigtails and lack of blinking for the first years of my life.

Politics Updated 01/09

2008-01-07T10:51:00.000-08:00

Prior to this election, I was never really interested in politics. I've always had the views that I have had, but never before have I felt such a need to share them. I vote at every opportunity and make an effort understand the choice I am making. That hasn't changed. But this year, I itch to discuss it. I am reading a ridiculous amount of news regarding who is running, what they stand for, and how they are doing in the polls. Not that polls really mean much.

Something I fail to understand is why the Iowa caucus is so important. So what that it's first. Just because some people in another state are willing to go out in the cold to say they plan to vote for someone doesn't amount to squat in my opinion. But apparently since they are first, we are all supposed to follow their example and vote the candidates they pick. I know a couple of people from Iowa. They are nice people, but they aren't going to tell me how to vote. I'm not even convinced that the whole 'caucus' thing is an accurate representation of how the people of Iowa feel.

But for any lemmings out there that want to copy their opinions from someone else, let me tell you how to feel. You should listen because I write a blog.

The Democrats:
They are all basically the same this year. All Communists.

You've got Edwards who is really nothing more than expensive hair and a nice smile. His lack of substance is inversely proportional to the size of his hair.

Then of course you've got Barack Obama who you know we should vote for because Oprah Winfrey says so. (That's funny, spell check has no problem with Oprah Winfrey's name but puts red lines under Barack Obama.) Everyone knows that when Oprah tells you to do something, you should do it. She has more money than you do.

And let us not forget the communist queen herself, Hillary Clinton who shall henceforward be referred to as Hildabeast. If elected, she promises to defeat Capitalism and plunge us into socialism because it's worked so well for places like Cuba and China. Hildabeast wants to control your medical care so that your doctor visits have all the comfort of your local post office. She wants to control our borders just like her husband's pants, everyone can get in. Although I think she is the most frightening of the bunch, she is her own worst enemy and I believe her candidacy with self destruct on its own.

I know there are others supposedly vying for the nomination, but we all know they don't really count.

Republicans:
There is certainly more choice over on the right side of the fence. So many choices, in fact, that conservatives have begun adding new adjectives. The big ones being social and fiscal conservatives. As I am sure you have figured out, I'm a conservative myself. Leaning more to the fiscal side if I must choose. So here's how I feel about the current crop.

Duncan Hunter and Ron Paul-they aren't really in the running. So sorry. Get over it and pick a real candidate that might actually stand some chance of winning. All these guys, especially Paul, are going to do is take enough votes away from someone else that the results are thrown off. You do all remember Ross Perot right? He was the only reason we got a Clinton in office in the first place.

I don't trust Mitt Romney, and it's not just because he looks like Frankenstein's monster. He claims that he is a devout morman but that it will not affect his decisions as President. These 2 statements are mutually exclusive. As a morman, you choose to let the church run your life. Either he isn't as devout as he says or it will affect his presidency. Either way, his statement is a bold faced lie that he thinks his money will force the voters to swallow. Not that lying is anything new to a politician, but that one is too much for me to take. Edit-Added 01/09/2008: Admittedly, my knowledge about the mormon faith is limited. You might find this interesting though. His faith is not the only reason I plan to vote for someone else though. The flip-flopping is a big one there too.

Currently carrying the evangelical vote is Mike Huckabee. He's a baptist minister from Arkansas. His time as governor is remembered more for his dramatic weight loss than anything that he actually accomplished for the people. Obesity is certainly a problem for the United States, maybe he could help with that. Since he intends to turn the country over to the illegal immigrants, we'll all need to tighten our belts anyway.

I've honestly not really formed much of an opinion on John McCain. His strong suit is defense and national security, and I can certainly agree with him there. I like that he very interested in protecting our second amendment rights. I don't think he stands a chance in the general election though and so hope he doesn't win the nomination.

When everyone started throwing their hats in the ring, I was immediately drawn to Rudy Guiliani. He's got a tremendous record as mayor of New York City. He drastically reduced crime and left them with a surplus in place of the debt in inherited with the office. I don't really care how many times he has been married. I'm skeptical about his track record with gun control. I still like him overall though. I get the Team Rudy newsletters and everything. Besides, I've seen him on the Tonight Show and feel he has enough charm and charisma to win over several democrats and independents.

Finally, we have The Fred. I really like this guy. I also like that he is running because people want him to do so and he feels he could do the job well. He's not riding the wave of some power trip. He's bold enough to state his views as they are and not package them for the audience he happens to be speaking to that day. He is who he is, like him or not. I happen to like the guy. Go-Visit the website. Sign up to be a Friend of Fred. He has the best stance on immigration of the lot of them, just for starters. And he's enough of a man to chew up Obama and spit him into Oprah's next diet fad.

I'd be thrilled to see a Thompson/Guiliani ticket in the general election.

Ooh! Pretty and Deadly

2008-01-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

Guess what's coming home today! Yeah, you're right. I guess I kind of gave it away with the picture. That's a stock photo. I'll take a couple with my camera later. Smith & Wesson's photographer is probably better at it that I am though.

Hubby and I went to the range on New Year's Day. This is part of a plan we have been putting together for some time now. His grandfather had the original version of this gun. There are some differences. His grandfather's is a .44 special rather than a magnum and it doesn't have all the pretty engraving. My husband and his brother figured out that that was probably the one thing that they would be fighting about inheriting. So they decided that the best solution would be to obtain another one. Having never shot a .44, my husband started doing some research. Several people recommended H&H Gun Range. We decided to hold off until after Christmas and then take a trip there. We made our first trip that weekend and loved it. New Year's Day we brought my brother-in-law and his wife to go shoot stuff.

Prior to this I had basically no experience with a firearm. I shot the .44 and decided that I had no business with a freaking hand cannon, but I really liked the 9mm semi-automatic M&P. Mr Smurf turned into swiss cheese.

After spending some time shooting the targets, we headed in to talk to a salesman to work out finances. Turns out, we were approved for their 6 months no interest plan so we decided to go ahead and get the revolver. Well then he showed us the limited edition engraved version. We ooh'd and ah'd and decided we had to take it home. After signing the paperwork, the background check came back with a delay. We know why, it's a long story. But today the gun was released. Hooray! Now I've just got to pick one out for myself. I plan to shoot several of the rentals on the range before I decide what I can really handle. Then we will start the process to get our conceal and carry permits. Long Live the Second Amendment!

Funny that it should be today that my friend over at Casto Creations would write this. Go read it. I've never shot a rifle, but I bet my aim isn't as good as hers was. I'll get some practice in though. I'll get there.

Let's look at the pretty thing again shall we?

Edit: corrected fat finger errors

Happy New Year

2008-01-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share some ridiculous cuteness with you. I hope 2008 is as peaceful and that you have someone so snuggly.

The kitties new toy

2007-12-31T15:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know why it is sideways. The video on my computer isn't. If someone out there knows how to fix it, please let me know. Otherwise, just tip your head to the right and laugh.

Here comes the Jackpot Question in Advance - What are you doing New Year's...New Year's Eve?

2007-12-28T14:36:00.001-08:00

Who Me? I will have a tiny house full of too many people drinking way too much and having a great time. My house. With probably still a fallen tree out front because we haven't had time to do anything about it.

After much drinking and laughter, we will toast in the new year and possibly sing terribly off key and laugh again. Generally, it's something like:

For Auld Lang Syne, my dear
For Auuuld Laaaang Syyyyyne
For all the words have been forgot
And never brought to mind

So I thought, maybe I should find out the words. The internet is a wonderful thing. I found them here. And reprinted for your convenience. I can't very well ask you to put in so much work as to follow the link while thinking about champagne now can I?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes
And pou'd the gowans fine.
We've wandered mony a weary foot,
Sin' auld lang syne.
We twa hae sported i' the burn,
From morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin' auld lang syne.

And ther's a hand, my trusty friend,
And gie's a hand o' thine;
We'll tak' a right good willie-waught,,
For auld lang syne.

Apparently, 'auld lang syne' means 'times gone by.' Pretty sure they mean alchie-holic beverage by 'cup of kindness,' the song is Scottish after all. Aye. And in case you was a wonderin' - here's the original that Burns based his ditty upon.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Tho they return with scars?
These are a noble hero's lot,
Obtain'd in glorious wars;
Welcome, my Varo, to my breast,
Thy arms about me twine,
And make me once again as blest,
As I was auld lang syne.

O'er moor and dale with your gay friend
You may pursue the chase,
And after a blythe bottle end
All cares in my embrace.
And in a vacant rainy day
You shall be wholly mine:
We'll make the hours run smooth away
And laugh at auld lang syne.
Shall Monarchy be quite forgot,
And of it no more heard?
Antiquity be razed about
And slav'ry put in stead?
Is Scotsman's blood now grown so cold,
The valor of their mind,
That they can never once reflect
On old lang syne?

Quite an informative link it was. And for those thirsting for even more, here's some sheet music.

Now you are fully informed thanks to the randomness in my head. No more excuses for the drunken butchering of a classic Scottish drinking song!

So tell me, really, what are you doing New Year's Eve?

Give it a thought

2007-12-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

As we wind down from our season of giving, I hope that you will all continue to remember those who may not have been blessed as you have been. As you put away your presents and decide what will be returned, remember that some people don't have the luxury of a home to put their things.

Once such neglected group has recently been on my heart. This season, there have been no soup kitchens, no toy drives, and no blankets made for these forgotten souls. Homes have been built, only to be discarded and demolished. This group has been thoughtlessly swallowed up this Christmas season. Families are broken apart each year and then forgotten as the tinsel comes down.

I am speaking, of course, of the plight of the gingerbread men and women all over the world. (Had you going there for a minute didn't I?) Lavish homes are erected every year and adorned with gum drops. Their walkways are lined with sugary icing. These newly born men and women can't help feel hopeful for the life to come. But it is just a Christmas illusion. Every year, thousands of gingerbread men, and even a few gingerbread women and children, are eaten in Christmas celebration. Even their newly built homes are often devoured, or worse, just discarded like so much shiny paper.

I know, they aren't citizens of our great country. I know, everything they've ever had has just been given to them by the hard working Capitalists. Surely we could spare just a few of our hard earned dollars for these undeserving souls. They've not earned it, but they certainly feel entitled. And isn't that enough?

All Things Round and Throwable

2007-12-21T15:30:00.000-08:00

Throwable...hmm...I think I just made that word up. Eh. It's a post about sports, the grammatical rules should be loosened.

Here's the story. In short, the mayor of OKC wants to spend $100 million dollars to overhaul the relatively new Ford Center to hopefully entice the SuperSonics to town. I'm sure it's not 100 million of his own dollars. Nor will it be borrowed against projected profits from the theoretical team this should attract. No, it will come from tax payers. Not ticket price payers, not fans, not corporate sponsors, but most likely tax payers. For anyone who has read my little blog before, you know I'm less than thrilled about the idea.

I have a many problems with this idea of the esteemed mayor of Oklahoma City.
1. Tax dollars should be spent on public services, not entertainment. Sports are entertainment. If you choose to spend your money watching sweaty guys throw a ball through a hoop, be my guest. I'd rather spend my money at the symphony or the theater
2. Anything tax dollars fund should have free admission for tax payers. As in, public schools and parks
3. There is no guarantee this team is even coming! The city they are currently is is suing them for crying out loud. Ah yes, that turned out to be a great investment for the city. They've had to turn to lawyers in protect their perceived returns.

The people of Seattle saw the light and voted not to spend money on frivolous entertainment. Rather they chose to listen to a visionary group called Citizens for More Important Things. They voted, they signed petitions, they did any number of things to stop their tax dollars from funding something no one was interested in. They decided their money was better spent in the education system rather than lining the pockets of the role models found in the ranks of professional sports. They decided it was more important that their children learn math and science than throwing a ball and scoring with the opposite sex. I can only hope that the people of Oklahoma City will prove to be so wise.

As free thinking people, we should be able to decide what kind of entertainment out hard earned money goes to support. If you like basketball, great. You have my blessing in purchasing tickets to the next game. I happen to like anime and will be spending entertainment budget on DVDs instead. I work hard. I support my share of welfare baby factories. I should not be forced to part with my money in support of an entertainment venue from which I receive no entertainment. I don't care to pay for a single screw in a facility in which I will probably never step. I certainly will not be paying to enter said facility.

A Girl's Best Friend

2007-12-19T06:08:00.000-08:00

As promised, I have pictures. I haven't finished my coffee, and so therefore they are not good pictures. We will see if I can do better once I am fully awake.

First, my original set. These are very special. We were VERY poor at the time. We have a family friend that makes jewelry out of his home. He does beautiful work. Michael talked to him and was able to design our wedding set. We took a cylinder of wax and carved the molds in my little apartment. Michael made my ring and I made his. There were slivers of wax forever ground into the couch. I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but my ring is two tone. It is yellow gold around the band and white gold on the infinity symbol. We chose that symbol because the traditional unbroken band of gold seems to have lost some significance in our society.

As pointed out on Casto Creations, handmade items are far superior for all the reasons she cited and then some. My ring is one of a kind, even if all of you copy it now that the picture is on the interwebs, my ring always will be the only one like it.

This is the re-engagement ring

Ooh! Aah! Yes, I thought you might be impressed. He did very well. He went to the previously mentioned jeweler. In fact, we just visited him last night to have it sized. It was really cool to stand there and watch while he cut out a piece of the platinum and then soldered it back together. The process is fascinating.

And here is the whole shebang all together. He cleaned and polished everything last night so it is all very shiny.

I don't know how long I will actually wear it all together. Maybe just for now, or maybe until we get our re-statement bands. We've been working on the design for the new bands for some time now. It is finally time for them to start becoming a reality.

So there you have it. You have the pictures and the story. Also, I can give you contact information for the jeweler, serious inquiries only.

Unable To Come Up With A Creative Title Today

2007-12-17T10:45:00.001-08:00

I'm in a bad mood today. The very fact that I am in a bad mood is pissing me off because I have every reason to be in a good mood. But I have a headache. A bad one. Not a migraine, no, I thankfully haven't had one of those in a while. But at least there are stronger drugs for those. I suppose I could take Excedrin Migraine anyway and then I could be hopped up on caffeine and pissed off because my head hurts.

I should be in a good mood though. Hubby's Christmas present arrived in the mail on Saturday. I took it to rehearsal and showed it off to the choir. I got him this:
I wrapped it when I got home from choir rehearsal. Hope he doesn't figure it out! Yeah, kidding. When he got home, we decided to do our Christmas early. We had strong suspicions about what we were getting for each other and didn't want to put it off any longer. That, and it was looking more and more like Christmas Eve was just not going to work out as planned. Our suspicions were correct so I am glad we didn't wait. It's just no fun to keep secrets from each other. I was paranoid that I might be talking in my sleep.

He was very cute and romantic with his presentation. I opened a large box that contained a pair of candlesticks, some dark chocolate, and a bottle of red wine. The Watcher, in case anyone is interested. He asked if after nine years together, whether or not I would do it all over again if given the chance. I told him that of course I would. Then he presented me with my new very sparkley re-engagement ring. Don't worry, I'll post a picture later.

I got to show it off to the choir Sunday morning. The director's husband actually offered me a bribe to not show it to his wife. Needless to say, I am not ten dollars richer. The very difficult anthem was beautiful. Later, we made an appearance at the Christmas party for our Sunday school class. That was annoying because they scheduled it the same night as the Christmas Cantata. Since I was the soloist, I kind of needed to be at the Cantata.

The Cantata was beautiful. I was lavished with compliments. By the way, here's some free advice for you. When you go to compliment a soloist, don't ever say, "I didn't know you could sing." Even though I appreciate the sentiment, there is no good way to respond to that. Besides, I'm a Soprano, we come prepackaged with a Diva Complex. Sopranos feed off compliments. Our heads swell and we become nearly intolerable. We learn special techniques to not become dizzy with the world revolving around us. I can't tell you about them, that would be breaking the secret code.

Hmm, maybe that is the source of my headache. Upon returning to reality where I'm in accounting rather than gracing the stage with my presence, my head has been unceremoniously returned to it's natural size. I did get to show off my new ring. The Ooohs and Aaahs apparently couldn't maintain the appropriate cranial inflation. The headache set in after my show-and-tell was done. I'm sure the pressures will readjust eventually. But for now, my head hurts and so therefore, my mood sucks.

Nifty!

2007-12-11T14:52:00.000-08:00

My blog is worth $1,693.62.
How much is your blog worth?

Thanks Instinct! That's really cool.

Winterpocalypse!

2007-12-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

The Ice Storm cometh! I know you missed my ramblings yesterday, but I have a really good excuse. I live in the Midwest. You know, where the weather happens. School was called off, and hubby's office closed. I still needed to go in. So my sweet husband excavated the car from it's 3/4 inch ice cocoon, and the three of us piled in for the slow creep to my office.

We lumbered past the idiot carnage to each side of the road and down to my office. Well we really shouldn't have bothered. We had power when I arrived, but no network connection. We decided that it was stupid for us to sit around staring at each other, so we all went home. Thankfully hubby hadn't made it too far since dropping me off and was able to come right back. Whatever would we do without our cell phones?

Like good midwesterners, we went to the grocery store. You can't weather an ice storm without proper martini making supplies. Milk, eggs, and bread help too. We loaded up the loot and crept home dodging fallen tree limbs all the way. All the while thinking of the steak and eggs we were about to prepare once I had changed into some squishy slipper socks. Yes, I adore fun socks of all kinds.

We got home to this.

Yep, that would be the lovely Bradford Pear that graces my front lawn. Well, it was lovely on Monday morning. Now it looks like it had a bad hair cut.

We decided to go inside and unload groceries before throughly inspecting the tree only to discover that we had no electricity. It was on when we left that morning. But then again, our tree was whole when we left too. So we packed up the perishables and put them on the porch. It was 25 degrees, that's cold enough to keep the milk from spoiling. I took a big stick and beat what ice I could out of the remains of my tree to hopefully save what I could. Seems to have done some good since no more has fallen down.

We called the in-laws and carted our steak and eggs to their house. We had a nice lunch and couple bottles of wine. They had a couple of brownouts while we were there but nothing serious. By the time we got back home, we had power and sis-in-law did not. But they have a fireplace so they were able to stay warm.

Kiddo is still out of school today, but it's back to work for the rest of us. He gets to hang out with my dad today.

Sincerest Apologies With Update

2007-12-06T10:54:00.000-08:00

*Put on your waders regular readers, the sarcasm is dripping today.

I discovered recently that I am disappointing a percentage of potential readers. Imagine my embarrassment when I perused my analytics account! 5.15% of my traffic as of yesterday comes via the almighty search engines. Of those, 10% were searching for "jennifer's panties." Another 10% were searching for "little girl's panties." In fact, right now if you were to do a Google search on "in jennifer's panties," this blog entry is the 5th item in the list. (Today's entry will probably change that.)

I am so very sorry to all of you potential readers out there. I really hate to disappoint you like that. Imagine if I increased my readership by that 10% of the 5% finding me via search engines. I think that translates into one tenth of a reader! Just think for a minute what that could do for ad revenue. The potential is staggering.

*you can take your waders off now.

Well, I don't have a picture of jennifer in panties to share with you. So how about jennifer in a bikini?

Oh no, that's not my ass. That ass is a size 2. Mine is larger. That ass belongs to Jennifer Love Hewitt. A picture from this particular angle would be far less flattering on me, and I am by no means a big girl. Normally I would revel in the opportunity to make fun of a celebrity, but this time I agree with Miss Hewitt's comment.

"A size 2 is not fat! Nor will it ever be. And being a size 0 doesn't make you beautiful. … To all girls with butts, boobs, hips and a waist, put on a bikini – put it on and stay strong."

Amen girl! You rock that junk in your little trunk.

UPDATE: I was right, now I'm the first hit on the previously mentioned search. And thanks babe. I'm glad you like the view

9 Years Today!

2007-12-05T07:46:00.000-08:00

Nine years ago today, I married Michael (of Michael's Soapbox). We are still blissfully in love, and each year is better than the last. We intend to remain newlyweds forever. I know, I didn't give you enough notice to purchase gifts. Don't worry, we accept PayPal :)

Funny how in this world, 9 years is quite an accomplishment. 50+ years is commonplace for my grandparent's generation. Our generation has invented things like "irreconcilable differences" and "pre-nuptial agreements." Many have changed their vows from "as long as we both shall live" to "as long as we both shall love." What a difference one little letter makes. Too often, couples go into their marriages with an escape plan.

Marriage is an institution, and I have been committed to that institution for life. It does take some work, but it gets easier with practice and it's worth it. Here are a few rules and pointers:

1. If you aren't sure that it's forever, you aren't ready to get married.
2. Marry your best friend. Your friendship will be there during the times that the romance is not.
3. Schedule and budget for a date night every week once you are married. It's important.
4. Dress cute for your spouse. It's hard to see a person as sexy when they wear their sweats all the time.
5. No opposite sex friends allowed! You may think this person is just a friend, but they will become a threat to your relationship when times are tough. Your spouse should be the only one you are confiding those feelings to.

In a perfect world, no marriage would fail. Everyone would go into it with the right ideas and work through everything that came along. Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world. I really do believe that if both parties work at it from day one, the problems will never be too big to overcome. But sometimes one partner gives up and it takes two to make it work. Sometimes a person can be fooled from the beginning. Everyone makes mistakes. Each situation is unique, and I am not condemning anyone who is in or has been in a failed marriage. My heart goes out to you. I'll never understand, but the hurt must be terrible.

I would like to make an anniversary request. Hug and kiss your spouse. Tell him/her that you love them. Remember what made you fall in love in the first place. If you have stories, share them with me. Here, I will go first.

Michael and I met in 1998 in the music building at the university we were attending. He had a pseudo-girlfriend, but I didn't really care. They were on what she called a "trial break." I still think that was stupid and still think that meant he was fair game. Besides, I didn't even know about her in the first place. He was standing in the hall talking to a mutual friend. I approached and announced that he looked like he needed a hug and proceeded to hug him. We didn't even know each other's names at the time. He asked the friend if he really looked that pathetic. She told him that no, I just thought he was hot. She was right. I obviously got his attention. It's been nearly 10 years since that event, and I still think he's hot. And I apparently still have his attention.

What A Surprise!

2007-11-30T10:29:00.000-08:00

I really do try to refrain from making fun of Steven Weber too much. Really, I shouldn't go read what he writes because far too often the temptation to ridicule is just too much. But how could I possibly resist this list? The number one thing this pompous, liberal blogger is thankful for is his thesaurus! I'm not making this up. And this one too:

My ability to become sexually aroused at even the most horrific or banal moments.

Correct me if I am wrong, but did anyone really want to know? Maybe this explains why he writes his column. He's just creating his own horrific moment to share with the world. It's like literary masturbation. (Hmm, first time I've used that word in my blog. Should get some interesting search engine referrals.)

Sorry I've been absent for a couple of days. Been very busy.

UPDATE: Thank you Rachel Lucas for saying it even better

End of the Long Weekend

2007-11-26T10:38:00.001-08:00

I took Friday off work and thankfully do not work in a place that is open on Thanksgiving, so I got a four day weekend. Of course, when I am away from the office, stuff breaks. Got my first phone call at 7:30 AM on Friday. Thankfully, that was an easy one. Got the next one at 9:30 AM. One of the 2 ladies had a family emergency and needed to leave. The other was already scheduled to leave at noon. That was also my last call of the day, so I figured whatever happened could be handled after the weekend. It can be. I'm busy but not any more than can be handled.

The weekend was good overall. Thanksgiving with my family was lovely. We gorged on lunch at about 11:30 then grazed all through the afternoon while playing games and laughing. I'm thankful for my family and that we aren't such gluttons the rest of the year. I kept glancing over to where Granddad always sat. It looked empty even when someone else was there, but that was alright in a way. It won't ever feel that his place is filled, but it being empty isn't really a bad thing. Of course I miss him, but I will see him again.

Thursday night, we hosted friends at our house. No one ate since we had all stuffed ourselves at lunch. We just spent time together. My friends are family too. One couple was in from out of town and brought Christmas presents since they won't be back at that time. We shared pictures and caught up on goings on from being apart. They must be pretty special since I actually scrubbed the bathroom in preparation for their arrival.

We did not get up before the crack of dawn on Friday to shop. That would drive me to homicide. My 7:30 call actually woke me up. I didn't get out of bed even then. We did shop a little in the afternoon, and surprisingly, the mall did not make me wish I was carrying my pocket flask. We were supposed to go camping Friday night, but our camping friends chickened out on us due to the cold. Guess we will have to wait to use the new tent. Instead, we had them over to our house. This time I mopped the kitchen floor. (I think I'm going to plan more get-togethers, it's doing wonders for my house.) We grilled shrimp and salmon. My brother-in-law and his wife made guacamole, and the other couple brought spinach and artichoke dip. We laughed and drank and watched Spinal Tap.

Saturday, we got to do one of those things that only homeowners get to do. We repaired our fourth slab leak. While watching the movie the previous night, it began to sprinkle on one guest's head. One of the hot water lines was leaking into the floor vents. Since there was very hot water there, it made our house warm and nicely humid. Unfortunately, since it was so cold outside, it caused condensation on the ceiling around the return vents. And so after we showered in the morning, we cut off the hot water supply and I began to clean up the mess. You gain some unusual talents as a home owner. My newest one is the proper way to mop a popcorn ceiling. It must be done in a blotting motion so as not to strip the popcorn and 30 year old paint. In case you ever need to do it. I also got to employ another strangely useful talent gained during a previous slab leak. I can stick my hand through the vent in the bottom of the kitchen cabinets and cut off a pipe very near the ground. It's rather painful, but it can be done. I did it before when the leak was from the utility closet to the kitchen sink in the cold water line. Same process for the hot. In case you ever need to know, it is possible to shove half inch pex through the original three-quarter inch copper lines. It's difficult and causes the husband to blurt expletives, but it will work and is much cheaper than having a plumber take a jack hammer to your foundation. thankfully, the kitchen and utility closet share a wall, so we ran this line above ground. Still generates some expletives but not as many. Now we have hot water again and dry vents.

Sunday, we decided to go to an earlier service so that we could have lunch with our Sunday school class. They are always a fun group. When we got home from lunch, we decided that we had such great momentum going on the house that we would just keep going. So I scrubbed the shower, bathtub, and the cook top in the kitchen. Trust me, all of these were major jobs. We are not exactly great housekeepers. Hubby sorted through the living room. This was also a major job. He got the living room clean enough to put up the Christmas tree.

It's Monday and back to our regularly scheduled program. It's good to be back, but I sure could've used more weekend.

Snicker worthy news

2007-11-20T11:35:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to write about this for a while, but just haven't for one reason or another. Boy George (yes, I am referring to everyone's favorite pseudo cross-dresser) has been accused of chaining a man in his London apartment. Boy George apparently invited this guy over to pose for some pictures and then kept him imprisoned in his apartment against his will.

I don't know, but I would assume that Boy George is not exactly intimidating to the majority of men. I probably shouldn't, but I am drawing the conclusion that this is one of those pansy sort of guys that spends more time on his hair than I do. This type doesn't generally qualify as a 'man' in my book. First of all, I don't know any self respecting man that would go home with Boy George for 'pictures' (because we all know that's all the invite was about). Secondly, if a real man found himself if Boy George's apartment, he would get out. Candy chains with fuzzy cuffs are not actual restraining devices. And finally, if due to being drugged or otherwise unable to prevent finding himself chained in Boy George's apartment, upon release would never speak of said event again. Not a peep. I know there are a couple of men that read this--Am I wrong about any of this? But not this guy. He goes home with Boy George, allows himself to be tied up and whatever else we won't mention, and then goes and tells the police. Can you imagine how hard it had to be for the detective to take his statement without laughing in his face? These images make me laugh. But I have been accused of having a rather twisted sense of humor.

Speaking of things that shouldn't make me laugh, how about the antics of the Catholic Church? Apparently there is a lot more at risk in the upcoming presidential race than the possible election of a harpy shrew. You risk your very soul (said in my best creepy horror movie voice). Forget grace! Apparently an ill thought vote can damn you to hell. Wow. I had no idea. Here I am attempting to judge the candidates on the basis of how well they could do the job of president and Whammo! apparently my salvation hangs in the balance as well.

Oh wait! I'm not Catholic! Whoopee! Whew, that's a huge load off my shoulders. Now I can go back to worrying about the liberal idiots convincing the populace to vote in the harpy chameleon communist.

Love and loss and stupid emotions

2007-11-18T15:24:00.000-08:00

Damn you Rachel Lucas!
I sat on my front porch with my blackberry (yeah, I'm that much of a nerd) and cried today because of Rachel Lucas's dog. A dog I have never met owed by a person that I don't really know. I've read her blog and often feel like I know her, but I don't. And dammit I am still crying and running snot like a faucet. I'm gross and red and puffy because she had to put down this dog that she loved so much. It doesn't help that Digger looked an awful lot like my sweet Pepper that I lost a few years ago, but that's really not it. Pepper never got so bad. When she knew that it was her time, she left on her own. Other things in life at the time were unfortunately more pressing and I think on some level she knew that I couldn't deal with her dying at that moment. She climbed the fence with her worn out hips and left to die alone. I looked for her, but I never found her. Not really knowing what happened to her was horrible. She had been my dog since I was 16. She had been the litmus test of boyfriends. If she didn't like them, I didn't need them around. I should have paid more attention to her in that regard. But she loved my husband from the first time she met him. She would actually obey him. I was the only one she had ever obeyed previously. But because life truly sucked at the time of her departure, I never got to really mourn her loss. Sorry for anyone reading this, but that still feels a little too personal to share on the internet. But her blog didn't really make me think about my dog.
I am sitting here bawling in my home office because dammit if Rachel's feelings about the whole thing didn't make me think of Granddad. And yeah, I know that sounds really stupid. But when she talked about how hard it was to leave Digger alone in that room at the vet's office, I saw Granddad. All alone in his hospice room. We had packed up all of our things, and everyone was ready to go to my aunt's house to just be there with each other. I felt awful just leaving him there alone with these strangers. He was dead. It was just his empty shell. But I still wanted to be with him so that he wouldn't be alone. I know that was just me. I wasn't really ready to let him go. I'm still not. He wasn't alone at all. He was finally and completely free of pain. It was wonderful for him, and it still is. He isn't alone. It's me that lost him. I'm the one that still wants to hear the stories he had to tell even though most I had heard a thousand times. I'll probably always want just one more. He looked so small, and that's not who he is in my memories. Only his hands looked the same. Taking him to hospice care was the right decision, but I am so glad I didn't have to be the one to make it. His first day there, he told me that he was still going to fight, but the truth of the matter was that the battle had already been lost. He was in hospice so they could keep him comfortable while he died. He made the decision to go himself. But while he was there he begged for all of us to get him out of that bed and give him a chance to live. He couldn't get out of the bed. If we had ignored everything and gotten him up, he would have collapsed in agony. His back was broken. He was riddled with cancer. There really was no more that could be done. We buried him not long ago. The box was far too small to hold the man that he had been. His body was cremated and buried just 2 feet below the ground.
It's amazing to me that love is so boundless. The grief for a lost pet is no less real than the loss of a person. It seems that it should be. But the pain really is the same. While Granddad was dying, I lost my pet betta. I made the comment to my friends on the daily kitten that it just seemed so small. It really felt like the least of my worries considering everything else going on. But Lynn said to me, "Nothing you love in whatever capacity, is small. So sorry for your loss MM. Love Lynn." I'm not sure I really loved that fish. I've loved fish before, but I didn't really form a true attachement to that one. But the sentiment is so very, very true.
I'm so blessed to know God. As a Christian, I know that God is love. I know from experience that love is boundless even in my limited capacity. I can really love the dog and the owner of said dog when in reality, I don't know them. I can be loved by the amazing community on the daily kitten when I don't know them in the real world. I'm not sure they know how much their comments and prayers have meant to me. And I have these amazing people that I have met in the blogosphere. Like Megan from CastoCreations. I got the opportunity to reach out to her and share some pretty raw emotions. Love isn't limited to our households or our families or even to our species.
Rachel, I don't know if you will ever read this. I hope you do, and I also hope that you understand that although I would love for you to find God, I am not attempting to convert you. You have asked before why Christians choose to be Christian and not something else, and that is a really good question. I'm a Christian because God is love. The love that is being poured out from your commenters; I believe that is God. The undefinable, unexplanable arms that embrace you at that moment when you are at your lowest; that's God. God understands when no one else does. At least, the God I believe in does. He understands because he created all of it. And He understands my doubts when I am in the dark places. The muslim god doesn't. Budda doesn't. Only my Christian God does. No one else's god is love. I cannot fathom a world that just created itself by chance. And because we as His creation have such an amazing capacity to love, our creator must have even more. I will continue to pray for you. This loss is great because you have loved. Thank you for the opportunity to love you too. (In a completely non-gay sort of way)

Why won't the liberal bloggers strike too?

2007-11-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

There is a reason that writers write and actors recite. And Steven Weber is that reason. Check out this gem from a recent posting of his.

It's the poison in the toy beads from China; it's the underfunded and underarmored soldiers in Iraq; it's the jaw dropping succession of cronies in government; it's the ping-ponging economy and the disingenuous disavowals of it's instability; it's the incessant enforced obsolescence of technology; it's the mercenaries for hire deployed to fight unnecessary wars; it's the corrupt and deceitful attorney generals; it's the abandoned hunt for the perpetrators of terror; it's the shrugging off of the anthrax scare; it's the rising oil prices; it's the housing crisis; it's the squandering of the trillion dollar surplus into the trillion dollar debt; it's the unending obfuscation and smirking and shrugging.

It's the frightening shortage of periods; it's the over use of semi-colons; it's run-on sentence that will change the world.

In one, apparently large, breath he whines about mercenaries in 'unnecessary wars' then complains about the 'abandoned hunt for the perpetrators of terror.' I think he just thumbed through his copy of Liberal Moonbat Talking Points for Dummies which he keeps with his other most treasured possession, a thesaurus. He's apparently skipping through the alphabet in search of new words. Today he read D and O but found nothing better that 'ping-ponging' when he got to P. I could go on and on, but English teachers are already vomiting on their shoes.

If this isn't proof that Hollywood needs writers, then I don't know what is. Everyone should be warned. This is what happens when you give an actor, previously relegated to no more than two syllable words in his scripts, permission to write. As Mr. Weber puts it-

They need to strike because they view the world from ground level level as opposed to lofty heights where the usurers dwell. They know that desiring the same thing their masters have in spades, that by kneecapping the creators of content, the hewers of material, the sculptors of tools, by undercutting the quality of the product in order to secure even greater yields, they would virtually ensure the end of, dare I say, all we profess to hold dear in this country.

Yeah, I could've said it better myself, but then I couldn't laugh at his pompous wording. Yes, all we hold dear. We want our entertainment, and we want it now!

Please Hollywood, pay the writers what they are worth or we will be subjected to more drivel from the actors usurping the empty writers' desks. It's too late to stop Steven Weber, but maybe this abomination of journalism could be prevented in the future.

Political correctness gone too far

2007-11-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

This article, posted here in it's entirety for your convenience (and to keep you here because there is nothing more you need to know), made me giggle.

SYDNEY (AFP) - Santas in Australia's largest city have been told not to use Father Christmas's traditional "ho ho ho" greeting because it may be offensive to women, it was reported Thursday.

Sydney's Santa Clauses have instead been instructed to say "ha ha ha" instead, the Daily Telegraph reported.

One disgruntled Santa told the newspaper a recruitment firm warned him not to use "ho ho ho" because it could frighten children and was too close to "ho", a US slang term for prostitute.

"Gimme a break," said Julie Gale, who runs the campaign against sexualising children called Kids Free 2B Kids.

"We are talking about little kids who do not understand that "ho, ho, ho" has any other connotation and nor should they," she told the Telegraph.

"Leave Santa alone."

A local spokesman for the US-based Westaff recruitment firm said it was "misleading" to say the company had banned Santa's traditional greeting and it was being left up to the discretion of the individual Santa himself.

Next thing you know, they will be going after the Jolly Green Giant! Children find many reasons to be frightened of shopping mall Santas. Pretty sure that even with the stench of cheap booze, the thought has never crossed their impressionable minds that Santa is really a pimp calling out for new recruits. Personally, I find most hired Santas rather disturbing, but since the term 'ho' doesn't apply to me, I am not offended. The *ahem* ladies that the term does apply to are probably not so worried about Santa.

Seriously some people deserved to be slapped. Maybe they would grow thicker skins.

And here's a barely related tasteless joke for you:

Did you hear about the dyslexic devil worshiper?
He sold his soul to Santa

Veteran's Day

2007-11-12T11:05:00.001-08:00

I'm going to re-pot my giant peace lily today. Bought a brand spankin' new pot this weekend. I still wish I didn't have it though. It was a bereavement gift from my office from when Granddad passed away.

Granddad wasn't going to join the army, but when WWII started felt it was his duty. He signed up over his mother's objections so that he could be a man. Granddad fought under General Patton. He traveled in Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and finally France. When the doctor asked him what he'd done in the military, Granddad's answer was that he walked. He was infantry, so I am sure that was pretty accurate. Here is a letter written May 24th, 1945 to his parents while he was in Neumark, Germany.

“Dear Parents;
We have been having April Showers the last few days. They just lifted censorship today, so will try and tell you a little about what I have been doing the past few weeks.

I joined the company west of the Rhine River a little bit around the 25^th of March and we saw the other outfits getting ready to cross and we were ready. We didn’t know when we were going to cross but we knew it was going to be soon and one night we heard all hell break loose and it was another outfit crossing. Then we began to feel better right quick because we knew we weren’t going to have to make the river crossing. Then in a day or two they put us on the alert and the trucks came that night and we crossed the river and bridge that the engineers had built and rode all that night and until about noon the next day. Hen we started walking and we walked until late that night and settled down in foxholes for about two hours, but that was our only night in a foxhole.

The next day we were starting through a town which had out several white flags and hell broke loose. I was in the rear. I stayed there. Company headquarters always stayed back. Then when we finally got into the town I saw a lot of good Germans on the ground. We kept walking for several days, then one evening we started across an open field in order to come into a town on the backside by the woods and hell broke loose again and we had left one platoon back to guard another town. Several men were gone for several reasons. At least we had only 59 men at the time and there wasn’t supposed to be many Germans in the town, but we took 145 prisoners and there were a lot of good ones there and the medics were busy all night taking care of the wounded Germans. The whole company went in together because we had to have all the men we could get. In just a few days we got the tanks with us and after that we did pretty good for a day or two. Then, the airplanes started one day. We were arguing whether they were theirs or ours. They were up in the air quite a ways and we couldn’t tell for sure, and in a minute we found out they were strafing, bombing, too. But every truck had a machine gun on it that got rid of them in just a little bit. Then they came along every evening for about a week, but we had the A.A. (Army Air Force) with us by then and they did not bother us much that way.

I have had a lot of other experiences too, but will tell them when I get home, which I hope isn’t far off, I don’t know.

Right now I am just a short ways from Leipzig in a small town named Neumark. We have two prison camps now and are discharging them right and left.

Well, I have told about enough for once, so had better close for now.

Love, Gerald

Gerald had been selected as assistant orderly by his captain.
Copied from THE GRENOLA GAZETTE Thursday, June 21, 1945 #25

Once the war was over, he went on to be a guard for a POW camp in Paris. He treated the POWs as equals. He knew they had been drafted into the war and were just doing their jobs. They loved him too. I've mentioned before about them making him gifts and rebuilding his tent. He used to say that he probably had the warmest tent in all of Paris that winter. In all the years I knew him, he never had a single negative thing to say about the German troops. Mostly he just said that they were good people.

That's just who Granddad was. Shortly after the Berlin wall came down and it was announced that the Cold War was over, we all went to an air show. It was a huge event because for the first time, there were Russian planes and pilots at the show. Everyone was nervous about meeting them....well that's not entirely accurate. Everyone except Granddad. He walked right up and shook his hand. Treated him like an old friend that had been away for too long.

This Veteran's Day, I remember Granddad and those like him. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be sitting in this office, my desk covered in pizza. I wouldn't be able to write a blog about whatever I wanted. I wouldn't have the opportunity to gripe about the idiots in and running for public office.

And let us not forget those veterans who have not yet claimed their final reward. There are guys like my dad. He was in the air force during Vietnam. He worked in Thailand as a fuel systems specialist. And there are many young men and women putting their lives on the line for us right now. They don't have the luxury to sit at their computers and peruse the blogosphere. They are far too busy making sure that we can.

While you are reading, here are a couple of lovely Veteran's Day entries made by some blogging friends of mine that I have run across today and think deserve your attention.
Happy Veteran's Day by Instinct at Life in 3D
All Gave Some at Casto Creations
And of course, Michael Yon always deserves a read. The Old New Way tells you what our modern day veterans are doing every day. Today is no exception.

Upon the Altar of Professional Sports

2007-11-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

Any one that knows me, knows I'm not a sports fan. You can be. That's fine. I have no problem with people choosing whatever entertainment makes them happy. What I do have a problem with, is society raising sports up onto a ridiculous pedestal.

And so, I am incredibly impressed with Citizens for More Important things. Unfortunately, they have been so successful in dealing with their problem that it is coming to my home. Mr. Van Dyk, we have chatted before, and I am sure we will again. For anyone not aware, the Seattle Sonics (soon to be the Oklahoma City Sonics) got tired of their arena. And who can blame them? I mean it was built way back in 1994 for the bargain price of $74 million. So they want a new one. No problem! Professional basketball is multi-billion dollar industry, surely they can afford to upgrade their facilities.

Yep, there's the problem. The new owner, Clay Bennett, threatened the city of Seattle that he would move the team unless the city built them a new arena. He thinks basketball is so very important that tax dollars should be spent to give these guys with million dollar salaries a nicer place to play. Apparently they don't generate enough revenue from ticket sales to pay for it themselves. My response, too bad. And the people of Seattle seem to feel the same way. Chris Van Dyk and the others at Citizens for More Important Things, got the measure to a vote, and the people said 'no.' Lawmakers in Seattle tried to scamper around the voters to fund it anyway, and still it was stopped. Kudos to you in Seattle! David Stern, the NBA commissioner, says they won't even get another team. Not only that, but he's been whining about it.

"To have the speaker of the house say well, they just spend too much money on salaries anyway, so we need it for other things," Stern said, casts aspersions on the whole league's operations. "We get the message. Hopefully, maybe cooler heads will prevail."

Yes, it does 'cast aspersions' on their operations. Professional sports are entertainment. These things are not necessary. I've yet to see Brad Pitt campaigning for tax dollars to build a new studio. He makes millions of dollars because people buy tickets to see him perform. Movie theaters are built by private corporations to generate income by entertaining people. I cannot see any reason why professional sports are any different.

Let's put it another way. If the vast majority of the planet was wiped out tomorrow, and you were left with the agonizing decision to save the life of a brilliant doctor or someone very skilled at throwing a ball through a hoop, who do you save? I can promise you that 10-point shot fired in the last 5 seconds of any game is not going to set the compound fracture in your femur.

Tax dollars should be spent in a way that benefits the community. Education, hospitals, public parks etc. A profit generating machine should be paying taxes, not being paid by them. People should be left to set their own priorities in what non-necessary, entertainment they chose to invest their hard earned money. This should not be left up to lawmakers.

And so, I applaud Seattle for not laying their children across the altar of professional sports. I just hope they send some torches my way while I gather my pitchfork.

A Little Girl's Dreams

2007-11-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

I don't know, but I assume that most adoptive parents want to make a child's dreams come true. Well this lady did it, but it wasn't the kind of dream you would hope for.

She took to writing stories about her toy tiger, Stripes, and asked Julie if she would like to hear one.

"In this one, Stripes was living with a nasty adoptive mother who threw him out on the street saying: 'Get away you naughty cub, you can't come back here.' Luckily, all was not lost because Stripes found his birth mummy.

Unfortunately for this little girl, she doesn't get to go back to her birth mummy. But she was dumped by her adoptive mother.

I am so very sorry that this 7 year old girl from Tanzania who knows nothing but pain and abandonment came with some issues. Shocking that one year doesn't create a perfectly well-adjusted child. This little girl has never really had love and security and yet she was expected to know how to show it to her adoptive mother. Rather than invest the necessary time and energy to this special needs child, this lady gave her back. Who knew that children came with a satisfaction guarantee? I worry about her birth daughter. What happens when she gets to those difficult teenage years? Not only will she have to deal with normal teenage angst, but an underlying fear that when her mother doesn't feel that she is 'getting anything back' out of the relationship, that she will be dumped like her short-term sister. The psychological repercussions for both of these children is astounding.

I know, I wrote something heartwarming and something to tick you off all in one day. I wasn't going to write this one because Rachel Lucas has already expressed the outrage, but I couldn't say enough in the comments.

This Photo is Amazing

2007-11-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

Wow! Please, click the photo and go to the story. I kid you not, I was blown away.

This photo is amazing because of what it is. Yes, the color balance and composition are visually pleasing, but what you are seeing here are Muslims and Christians placing a cross on St. John's in Baghdad. It gives me chills. All we hear about in the news is the hate and separation. We only see this from independent journalists like Michael Yon.

Until today, I had never ever heard of him. This guy is actually traveling with a combat unit in Iraq telling the real story from behind the lines. He is supported entirely by his readers. He believes that these stories need to be told, and I agree completely.

Iraq is still a scary place, but it is getting better in spite of what the mainstream media would have you believe. Check this out from this past Easter.

During the mass, Shiite Muslim leader Ammar al-Hakim, son of the head of Iraq's most powerful Shiite political organization, walked into the church. Father Louis al-Shabi, the chief priest at St. Joseph, escorted al-Hakim to a seat near the alter.
"Sheik al-Hakim came to join us in our celebrations as we mark this feast," al-Shabi told the worshippers. "We welcome this visit as a display of unity among the Iraqi people."

Al-Hakim responded, "We are all the sons of Iraq, and we should put our hands together to build this country. We are confident that the Iraqi people will come out of this crisis and our pain will end."

If that doesn't instill some kind of hope, you've been watching too much doom and gloom liberal news.

Ferrule's Vet Visit

2007-11-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

Had to take Ferrule to the vet on Thursday. He had a ruptured abscess on his left rear leg. Ewe!

So here's how Thursday went. First there was the big news mentioned in the previous blog entry. Then we had a conference with Isaac's teacher. It actually went pretty well. Isaac is a bright kid, but he has trouble with his schoolwork and is sometimes a problem in class. He is improving though. That was at 5:30. We finished there at about 10 til 6.

When we left the school, we ran home to get the cat for his 6 o'clock appointment with the vet. Before the parent/teacher conference, I had run home and harnessed the Ferrule and shut him in the bathroom since I am an idiot and had left the borrowed pet taxi at work. So we ran by the house and I hooked the leash to Ferrule's harness and we were off! To Ferrule, the outdoors is very, very frightening so he began to scream and fight as soon as we crossed the threshold of the house. I suppose in some part of his mind, he remembers the hard life of a feral cat that he lived for the first 5 weeks before moving into the spoiled luxury of the Meezer house. So by the time I had made it the short distance from the front door to the car, he was in full panic mode.

So we got out on the road. Ferrule went into full throated, big diaphragm, Siamese yowls. If we had cracked a window, we could have pulled over traffic. Thankfully, the vet's office is only a block away. Before getting out of the neighborhood, my mother called my cell phone. She was meeting us at the vet's office to pick up Isaac since he was out of school on Friday. She has had a Siamese too and understood the yowl quite well. She was already there and waiting. I told her she would hear us coming. Upon arrival at the office, Ferrule decided that the torture device on wheels (the car) was much safer than anything in that complex must be and so therefore attached himself to the underside of my seat. I extracted his claws from there and removed him from the car. He immediately grabbed the nearest thing, me. We shouted our goodbyes to Isaac and my mother over his yowls and entered the office.

Once inside, he crammed himself behind my husband, of whom he is normally terrified. But when we go to the vet, I guess he assumes that the big scary guy from the house is scary to all the strangers too. Then he proceeded to empty 5 bladders worth of urine between the cushions of the couch. I'm not kidding. The nurse even commented about the volume as it was running out on the floor. By some miracle, it missed hubby's designer sport coat.

Then it was off to the exam room where he hid under the chair. When the vet came in, I dug him out and placed him on the table. The doctor checked him out, said we did the right thing by cleaning out the gross ruptured abscess, and went to get his vaccinations. While the doctor was gone, Ferrule put his front paws on my shoulders, yelled in my face, and began to poop on the exam table. Guess he got self conscious when the nurse came in because he only got one tiny turd out. The vet laughed at him and gave him his shots.

Off we go to the front desk where he thought he might finish the pooping business. One hit the desk, two hit the floor before I got him to the adjacent toilet where he could finish the job properly. I'm sure we made quite an impression on the new vet.

He's been taking his antibiotics like a champ and is doing much better now. I am sure the staff at the vet's office are still talking about him. They will probably call on Monday; we will see if they are still laughing.

I have news! I have news!! With Long awaited update

2007-11-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

But I can't tell you what it is yet because it has not been officially announced. Stay tuned for updates. It's good news!!

UPDATE: Sorry it took so long to update you. I got a promotion and raise! Hooray! It was announced to the group just before we left on Thursday. I didn't want to risk my team finding out before it was official. They are really awesome and deserve better than that. Thursday evening was eventful (will write a separate entry for that) and Friday was busy.

The promotion is a little bittersweet because it comes on the heels of my boss leaving. I really likes working with him and will miss him a lot. He is moving on to bigger and better things though and I wish him the best. I did not move into his old position. I am now the AR Supervisor with 2 team members reporting directly to me. They will be filling his old position at a manager level but not real soon. I am very excited and will enjoy working with the people I have been given. They are both very talented, and I think they will do well.

Friday was busy at work because one of my team members already had the day off and the other called in sick. Yikes! That meant I was the AR department for the day. Guess I got to prove that I really do know how to do all the jobs within my department as well as close out the previous month. I did it, but it wasn't fun. I'll be really glad to have my team back on Monday.

Friday night was our First Friday's wine share, so we didn't get home until late. Thus the delay on the update. Very sorry. Especially to Kirsten. Didn't really intend to hold you in suspense for so long. So have a glass of virtual champagne and celebrate with me.

My Halloween costume (With Update)

2007-10-31T05:49:00.000-07:00

First, the real Trinity

Then me

UPDATE: Well I got second place in the contest. Go me! Who got first you ask?

Goth Brooks!!

Breaking news

2007-10-29T14:45:00.001-07:00

Alright, it's just more celebrity gossip that struck me as funny. Ah the NSync closet! Not that I really want to know what secrets lie in its frilly depths, but this just made me giggle and snort.

Panties!!

2007-10-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

And now that I have your attention.....

I read this today. It's all about the tramping up of pre-teen girls for Halloween. I will concede that they have a point. Luckily I do not have a daughter and so don't have to find a creative solution to this problem. I do, however, have a son who is probably about to see far more of his peer's flesh than I am really comfortable with. And with childhood obesity on the rise, that is bound to miles and miles of kiddie skin.

But unlike the article, I blame the whiny lazy parents. If your 10 year old comes waltzing out of your house on Halloween night looking like she should be gracing the windows of Amsterdam's red light district, it's your fault. The retailers couldn't sell them if parents wouldn't buy them. I know, even with the best efforts, kids will disobey their parents. Mine does. But for this particular night, you've had a few opportunities to prevent the junior Lolita from heading out on the town. The article states:

But how do you compromise with a kid who's begging to be a saucy witch when all you want to do is go back to the days when she wanted to be a lion cub or a Teletubby? There's no easy answer for that question.

Really? I think there is. I know in this day and age of progressive parenting that it has become unpopular, but you can tell your children 'No'. They will still love you once the fit is finished. Here's a bonus for you, they will actually respect you more. You will have the opportunity to become friends with your offspring once you have successfully shepherded them into adulthood. Parenting is a big job and you will make mistakes, don't complicate the matter by trying to be your child's friend right now. So here's how I propose the conversation should go at the store--

CHILD: Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! (insert extra blinks-it's a skill little girls use on dads) I found the perfect costume. Will you buy it for me Daddy? Pleeeeeeeaaaaase! (drawn out to further wrap dad around finger)
DAD: Let me see honey. (holds up 3 strips of fabric and a tiara) What is this supposed to be?
CHILD: It's Tramp-A-Rella Daddy! She's only the coolest crime fighting superhero. Duh. All the girls at school are gonna be so jealous. Oh yeah! I'm gonna need make-up too.
DAD: But Princess, where's the rest of it? I'm not going to spend 40 bucks on a costume that's missing pieces. Why don't you see if you can find the pants?
CHILD: *giggle. Daaaaddy, Tramp-A-Rella doesn't wear pants.
DAD: Oh I see. Then let's find something else. Tramp-A-Rella isn't really an appropriate costume for an 8 year old.
CHILD: But Daddy! All the girl......
DAD: (interrupting) No.
CHILD: (with tears) You never let me have anything cool. I don't like you anymore.
DAD: I'll get over it. And so will you. Besides, I think Princess Fiona would be more appropriate for your...uh...figure.
CHILD: But I want to be Tramp-A-Rella!
DAD: I said 'No.' Now you have 2 choices, find something that covers more than half of your body, or don't dress up for Halloween.

Whimpering will continue, but the argument is over. She might ask Mom, but that takes a whole different bag of tricks. She went to Dad in the first place because daddies are typically easier targets for little girl's manipulations. I don't have a little girl, but I was one once. I even asked my dad if he ever got a back ache from being wrapped around my little finger.

If somehow, the tramp-suit does make it to your home. Or if she decides to modify a perfectly respectable costume, you still don't have to let her leave the house in it.

For only a short period in our children's lives, we parents hold the cards. We provide transportation and the finances for every aspect of their lives. It is during this time that we get to attempt to instill some values in our children. I am by no stretch of the imagination the world's best mom. I don't bake cookies. I don't host cute parties with hats. I dread parent teacher conferences. Really, I don't like children (besides my own; I have a bias). I am only concerned with the little princesses because one day, my son will want to bring one home, and I want the future mother of my grandkids to have a solid head on her shoulders.

The Rage and the Pride

2007-10-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

I can add absolutely nothing to the words of Oriana Fallaci. This will take time to read, but it is worth the investment. I will not attempt to summarize it.

I wish citizens of the United States felt so strongly about our country. Too many people have forgotten who they are. Or at least who they are supposed to be. The ever-tolerant liberals scream at perceived injustices. They would be very quick to ridicule me for refusing to clothe myself in bed sheets out of respect for these invaders. Don't misread my meaning. Those of differing views are welcome to practice them. They are not welcome to force me to do so. But I am straying from my point.

The radicals that we are fighting do not simply have different views from ours; they want to force their ideals upon us. They would rip the fabric of our nation in the rape of our precious freedoms Given their way, they would convert the world. Those that refused to convert would be executed. Their bodies defaced in service to a vengeful god. These radicals speak only the language of violence. Our freedom to practice whatever religion we choose makes them hate us more. The very freedom that allows people to speak out against this war makes these radicals want to kill us. Why should we be so encouraged to respect a culture that holds ours in such disdain?

I believe that all people are children of God. But belief in my God makes me an infidel and worthy of death to these radicals. (Notice I am not making these accusations against all Muslims) No matter how much I could love an accept the Osama bin Laden's of the world, these people will still want me dead. All because I have the freedom to not bow down to their god.

Seventeen Oklahoma lawmakers are taking heat for refusing a gift. That gift was a Quran. Rex Duncan's reason:

"Most of them, like all of most groups, are peaceful, law abiding citizens. But I would just simply like for some of those folks to come out publicly in opposition to the small group of radical Muslims who are doing terrible things in the name or religion," Duncan said.

And did they take the opportunity to denounce the violence publicly, no.

In response, the council's chairwoman reiterated that Islam is a religion of peace.

Instead they repeated what we've heard time and time again. It's not hard to find a Christian appalled by the crusades. Mr. Duncan even stated that most are peaceful, law abiding citizens. And yet, they will not say that the actions of a few radicals are wrong. The silence speaks volumes.

Ack Zombies!

2007-10-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Mindless drones wandering the city in search of brains! Hub has a fantastic article about how to be prepared for the eventuality of a zombie invasion. You can never be too careful.

Unfortunately, I find the article a little lacking. I mean, what if the zombie is in the form of an over-bleached, over-tanned trophy wife? It could happen. Just look here. That must be the explanation. She's a zombie. She keeps buying clothes and Starbucks, but what she really needs are brains. Delicious brains.

So the question here is what to do about this particular kind of zombie. Sturdy scissors are the solution. When she comes at you with her credit cards, simply slice up the worthless plastic. She'll be reduced to a shrieking pile of make-up and silicone, and you can walk away unscathed.

Don't worry about her six kids, the marker-wielding liberals will take care of them. It's all about the chiiiiillldren! Or so they say. Really they are just churning out entitlement hungry zombies. (See, I got back to the zombie point)

These are easy to conquer. Take their food stamps and give them lawn mowers or dust mops. This eliminates both the welfare zombies and the illegal-immigrant zombies in one swoop.

October 23, 1978

2007-10-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's my birthday. That's the actual date of my emergence from my mother. Do the math, I'll wait.
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Are you finished? Or has the school system failed. Here's another minute.
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Don't you hate it when people add superfluous spaces? And make you do math while reading a blog? That's just wrong. I'll stop. I'm 29 today. Yep, the first time too. I'm told it will be the first of many times that I turn 29. That is, once I convince them that I'm not kidding. As of today, I'm not afraid of turning 30 or 40 or anything else. That may change in the next 364 days, or 10 years and 364 days, I just don't know. What annoys me is that everyone laughs when I tell them that I am 29 today. Seriously people. Do I look enough older than 29 that I should have any business lying about my age? The profile pic was taken last year; I don't think I look that much different but I will try and get a more recent one for your enjoyment.

So Happy Birthday to me! Yada. Yada. Yada. Didn't get me a gift? That's okay. I accept random donations. It's not tax deductible.

JK Rowling is a Pimp

2007-10-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

Yep, I said it. You know why? Because she is whoring out one of her characters for a little publicity.

Harry Potter fans, the rumors are true: Albus Dumbledore, master wizard and Headmaster of Hogwarts, is gay.

Here's the story. Apparently, this is news. It has absolutely no bearing on the character and frankly, I think making it an issue cheapens the story somehow. You know, during the hours I spent reading these books, I never once wondered whether Albus Dumbledore preferred inies or outies. Now I have the answer to a question that I never even thought about asking.

Honestly, I don't want to know the details of what anyone wants to do with another consenting adults. I certainly don't care about the private life of a fictional character.

Well Mr Headmaster-Wizard, you better get out there and earn mama some more money before she has to slap you around. And let that be a lesson to all the young witches and wizards, Ms. Rowling wants her bling.

They stole it from us. The precious

2007-10-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

Nope, not about Lord of the Rings in any way shape or form. Just me griping about unnatural time.

In March of this year, an hour was hijacked. That's right. Stolen while we slept. No one even left a note. I would have paid the ransom. But no. They stole it from us with promises that it would be returned in November. They make it sound like my precious hour is going on an extended vacation. I'm sure in reality they are keeping it a little room with no sunlight and only bread and water for sustenance. Right now, it's probably being subjected to daily water torture. Just wait until the pictures come out.

It's a conspiracy I tell you! They are trying to control us. It's much harder to think clearly when haven't had enough sleep. And the extra snoozing just eats up the time when hubby could make espresso. Instead, I have to drink the G.A.A.C. (Generally Accepted As Coffee) at the office. This is why people bring guns to work! I know it's true, here's the biblical reference:

If you shout a pleasant greeting to your neighbor too early in the morning, it will be counted as a curse! Proverbs 27:14

Words to live by, don't you think?

Jack-O-Lantern

2007-10-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

Was having a conversation about Jack-O-Lanterns. This was what we did last year. Don't know how I'm going to top that this year.

Judge of Character

2007-10-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

*snicker
I always chide myself for reading some gossip story about celebrities. That is, until I find a real gem like this piece. Scroll past the thing about Britney's underwear (or lack thereof), there it is! I could really care less about Owen Wilson being on or off the wagon. This is the part that makes me giggle:

Won’t somebody please listen to Courtney Love?!....“Night in the Museum” co-stars are hanging together once again, despite Courtney’s warnings.

Ha! Ha! Ha! What kind of a person do you have to be for Courtney Love to call you a bad influence? This Steve guy must really be trouble. Hmm, who should one ask about staying clean and sober? Well Courtney's certainly spent the time researching rehab and how not to do it, maybe she really is the expert.

Whiny lazy parents

2007-10-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

I read this today and just got annoyed. If you don't want to follow the link, it's a story about parents fears, sex offenders, and trick-or-treating. Here's an excerpt

"Obviously, there's something not right in those people's minds. Anyway, so there's no telling what they would want to give to a child or even what they're thinking about when your child goes up to the front door," said Jasan Hazzard.

I agree, sex offenders are scary. But have you ever thought about, I know it's crazy, but going out with your kids? I know, active parenting. It's a lot to ask. I could be wrong, but I am betting that if you are standing two steps behind your child the scary guy isn't going to yank your precious goblin into his home. And if he tried, you could do something about it

You know, when I was a kid, my dad went with me into the neighborhood. It was great. He carried extra bags in his coat and he would carry the overfilled bags for me. I wasn't allowed to eat any of the candy until after I got home and it had been throughly checked by my parents. We walked through the entire neighborhood so there were plenty of calories burned. Same rules apply with my son. We make an event out of it. Hubby and I get dressed up to take the kiddo out for the annual sugar fest. We have fun and we get to spend time together as a family.

But our family has become the minority. Once we have finished our rounds and returned home, we flip on the porch light and welcome the miniature ninjas, witches, and princesses. Our candy solicitors fall mostly into 2 groups:
1. Chubby kids waddling from mom's still running SUV. These kids might become terribly out of breath if forced to actually walk down a whole street. I almost feel guilty giving them such calorie laden treats. That is until I see the porky chocolate stained fingers of the parental chauffeur. I can only hope their poor overworked heart prevents future procreation. At least rescue crews can properly train with these.
and
2. Kids I have never seen before in the 8 previous Halloweens that I have passed out candy from the same location. A quick glance to the street reveals no parents to be seen. I often wonder how long it would take before they would be missed. I shouldn't, but I always worry about these kids and often watch them heading on down the street until they are out of range. I'm sure I have already invested plenty of my hard earned money in raising them via state programs, is it really so much more to spend an ounce of concern on them?

Attention parents, here's a novel idea. Try parenting. The responsibility is yours, not the state's, not the policeman's, and certainly not your neighbor's. You can look up the addresses of sex offenders in your area, don't send your kid knocking on that door. But that does require you to actually be involved in your kids activities so it's probably asking too much.

Love and Laughter

2007-10-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

As my regular readers are aware, it's been a rough time for my family lately. Granddad passed away around 3 o'clock on Thursday October 11th. He will be greatly missed by us all. I've been told by a few people that reading my entries through this whole thing has been comforting to them. I'm so glad. I've drawn a lot of comfort from the support offered to me by so many of you.

Since Thursday, my aunt and uncle opened up their home to all of us. It's served as the base where food is delivered and serves as some insulation from the outside world. As much as I appreciate the concern, there are only so many times I want to answer the question, "How are you doing?" and "Are you okay?" Not to mention, "Is there anything I can do?" I am doing as well as can be expected. Honestly, even though I had been preparing for this, it has still been a lot harder than I thought. There is something you can do, keep us in prayer. If you want to do something in addition to that, the family has asked that donations be made to Odyssey House or the American Cancer Society. By no means do I want anyone to refrain from showing their concern, but it is nice to have a haven from it.

I don't know how it is with other families, but there haven't been a lot of tears when we are all together. We've brought in everyone's photo albums which have been strewn about my aunt's living room and den. She and my mother are scanning select pictures to be made into a slideshow for the memorial service. The rest of us have been sitting around looking through the albums and reminiscing about wonderful stories. There are several pictures that I had never seen and stories that I had never heard. There's lots of laughter and the love is tangible.

In one album were sketches that I had heard about, but never previously seen. I will be getting copies. These are beautiful pencil sketches done by POWs after WWII. Two of Granddad and 2 of the office they built for him. Granddad was over a POW camp in France. Granddad always treated these men as equals. He knew they had been drafted into the war just like he was and never treated them as enemies. The men loved him for it. They built him his own office, made him a clock, and crafted an ashtray out of artillery shells that is in my mother's living room today. The clock was stolen by a GI that was charged with making sure it got home. The POWs shipped the ashtray and that actually made it back. He treated those men with dignity which they returned to him. I don't believe Granddad ever met an enemy, just peers that happened to be on the opposing side.

Yesterday my cousin, who has an inborn gift for children, brought sugar cookie supplies. Her 2 year old son and my 8 year old son made cookies. When it came time for sprinkles, he said to my son, "open your mouth" and proceeded to sprinkle directly into my son's mouth. Everyone cracked up. I'm so proud of my son for doing so well with his younger cousins. Actually I am very proud of the way he has handled all of this. Explaining Granddad's death to him was one of the hardest things to do. As he said his prayers the other night he asked that God show Granddad around in heaven so Granddad could show it to us someday. Kids say it so well sometimes.

Tonight, the church is feeding the family. I am looking forward to some more family time. The memorial service is tomorrow afternoon. It's going to be hard. As will the upcoming holidays. But I am really lucky to have my family and my wonderful spouse with me. I think it is better for us to have each other to lean on.

Funniest line I've read in the news

2007-10-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

I read a lot of internet news. Many stories come via The Daily Kitten---thank you Dee. I found this one all on my own though. One line made me seriously laugh out loud. Seriously, read this and tell me all about your mental picture.

About 150 police in riot gear went into the compound to find the ex-nuns defiantly singing religious songs and playing instruments, Puzewicz said.

Good thing the 150 police wore their riot gear! Can you imagine the possible consequences. Being smacked with a tambourine is sure to sting. Kum-by-WHAM my Lord, Kum-by-SMACK......We all know the havoc that would create in the little Polish town.

This line makes me laugh so hard I nearly peed myself. As if the riot gear part wasn't enough, he says they were "defiantly singing religious songs and playing instruments" Oh man, that's rebellious. That may have corrupted to locals that were sneaking them food. Shield your children!

And the scene ended this way.

Hours later, after mild resistance and insults from the ex-nuns and the intervention of psychologists, about 65 defeated ex-nuns, escorted by policewomen, walked out calmly in their black habits — some carrying guitars, others tambourines or small drums — and boarded buses.

I'm so glad this public threat was removed. They had guitars people! Don't you understand the imminent danger? Better send in 2 riot geared cops for each nun and a few extra just to be safe.

Whew, I'm so glad my tax dollars go to pay for public health care for kids that are too good for public schools instead. (Thank you Michelle Malkin) Oops! I slipped something political in there. Just when you thought it was safe. Hey everyone! Chain smoke: it's for the children!

Granddad

2007-10-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

I want to give an update, but there really isn't much to give. They were unable to get a blood pressure reading this morning. It will probably be today. I'll go up there tonight.

It's 3:25 pm. I just got the call. He's gone

Beautiful Moment

2007-10-10T09:57:00.001-07:00

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
The sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of His hand

Old Irish Blessing. I sang it, through tears, to Granddad last night. That's where I stopped singing. He'd spent the day completely unresponsive, but shed a tear when I finished. The nurse said it was a special gift for me. I think she was right. Prior to that, I wanted to believe that he knew I was there, but I just wasn't sure. I'm so glad I could give that gift to him.

I'm kind of just waiting for the call today. The call telling me that he has gone home. I think his spiritual body and his physical body are separating. That's why the only reaction we got from him was the single tear. It was tearful but beautiful.

Someone brought a kitten for her grandmother to see. Cute little tuxedo guy. Nana snuggled him into her sweater where he purred. It was the most she'd smiled in a while.

It might be today

2007-10-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

Mom called, it might be today. Of course, it might have been Friday, or a week ago at the hospital. Yesterday, the doctor said he would be surprised if Granddad lasted another 2 days. But of course it's not an exact science. Granddad will go when he is good and ready. I won't ever be ready, but I'm as close to ready as I am going to get. Today, he is not responding. Not to Nana or anyone else. They are just giving him regular infusions of pain meds and playing soft music.

I'm not dropping everything and running over there. I kind of want to, but I've done that so much lately. And there's not really anything I could do. For now, I'm staying at work and have apparently forgotten how to eat a sandwich. I seem to have decided to eat it from both ends and work towards the middle. I took a picture, I'll add it later. Sorry about the tangent, I just looked down at my lunch and realized I've suddenly become retarded. Laugh, it's allowed. Healthy actually.

In my heart, I hope it's today. I really hate to say that, but I've set up a pattern of being brutally honest here and don't really plan to change it. I know that the only way for Granddad to stop suffering is to let the angels take him. He told Nana yesterday that he was going with them. Then the rest of us can really mourn his loss as we haven't been able to do yet. And we can refocus and be able to celebrate his life. Can't really do that right now, no clarity.

I'm going tonight. Even though he probably will not know that I am there. That just means he is closer to home.

UPDATE: You guys are really awesome. Extra cool points for all of you. We are picking up pizza and heading down to hospice shortly. With all of us together, may as well make it a party (of sorts). In case anyone is curious, this is the hospice group we are working with. We've dealt with them 3 times in as many years. You can visit their website at www.odsyhealth.com.

Granddad update

2007-10-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hospice people are amazing. I sincerely hope and believe there is a special crown these people will receive in heaven. I am blown away by these people. I personally didn't pursue a medical career because I didn't think I had the emotional stamina to handle it if I were to lose a patient. These people lose them all. And they have the added responsibility of dealing with family members. They are there 24/7 for anything and everything that might be needed.
I got to meet a special one on Friday. Her name is Katie Ann and she's a golden retriever. She's a trained therapy dog. She loves everyone and will let everyone love on her. Kids can pull on her ears. People can squeeze her and cry on her and she just loves them back. If I see her again, I may try to get her picture.
We all thought Friday was Granddad's last day with us. We've said our goodbyes and now we are just waiting for the inevitable. I really hope that he can go peacefully and quickly. I trust that if God continues to keep him here, that he has a good reason to do so, but I have to admit that this is hard.
My husband and I did get to have a very nice dinner with my 3 cousins and their spouses. We had never all gone out together before. We laughed at old stories and our twisted humor that it seems we've all inherited. I'm so glad to be rekindling relationships with them.
On Saturday, Granddad's vitals had actually improved. He's still arguing with angels. I hate seeing him suffer this way. I know that he will go home when it is time though and God's time is not my time. It's hard to be at peace with that. It's even harder to see Nana struggle so much. She hasn't left his side. She's an amazing woman. I don't envy her place right now. 57.5 years is a long time to be married. That kind of love is worth the pain.

Gift or Gremlin?

2007-10-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

I got a surprise package in the mail on Saturday. It was a tube containing 4 posters. 2 copies of this one,

and 2 copies of a President Bush one. You can order them here. The surprise is that I didn't order them. I thought about it, but didn't. But they came anyway. $4.60 charged to someone else. I figure it has to be one of four scenarios.

I have a secret admirer. If so, I assume that you are reading this. I know your name because it showed on the invoice, but I'm not going to reveal it. Thank you for the posters, I'm really flattered. I'm very much not available though. It was very thoughtful of you to send 2 copies because my best friend/husband enjoys them as well.
I have a fan that sends gifts. Awesome! Really freaking awesome. Thank you, and you rock! I've never had a fan before and unless it is proven otherwise, this is the scenario I'm going to choose to believe and revel in the head swelling. I know your name, so no one else can take credit and therefore possession of the well deserved cool points you have earned.
It's a gag gift. If so, you think I'm a liberal and the joke's on you. I don't really think that is the case though
There is a gremlin lurking in the servers at yaf.org. It is possible that Mr. Cool really just ordered them for himself and the ghost in the machine sent them to me instead. If so, and you just happen across my blog, I still think you are cool and would be happy to order these posters for you on my own bill so that you don't miss out on the conservative goodness. That would still be acceptable, but I would rather believe that I have a fan.

So, anyone care to guess what the scoop is here? Are you the giver and want to come forward to receive your cool points? You can remain anonymously cool if you would like. I know your name, but the other people who read this won't find out unless you come forward.

And yes, everyone who takes the time to read my blog is automatically considered cool. But there is a hierarchy. Readers are cool, those that comment are cooler, fellow bloggers that link back are awesome, and anyone that sends gifts is seriously amazing. Especially since any gift received is completely unsolicited. Welcome, but not solicited.

UPDATE: Well the people at YAF got back with me. Apparently their site got hacked. It was a gremlin. And I was really hoping for a fan.

They said what?!?!?!?!----with update

2007-10-03T10:10:00.001-07:00

So predictable that I would have to weigh in on this issue. I have to admit that I should be ashamed. I shouldn't let drivel like Desperate Housewives anywhere near my radar and certainly not close enough to form an opinion.

Why am I annoyed? Here is why:

The officials cited a recent episode where actress Teri Hatcher, who plays Susan Mayer, asked whether the person attending to her during a medical consultation "can I check those diplomas because I want to make sure that they're not from some med school in the Philippines."

There are plenty obvious reasons why I should be annoyed. My paternal grandfather is from the Philippines after all. But I find the very existence of this show to be offensive, so why should I care whether or not they are sensitive to every little group. I was born here in the US and feel no special urge to add any label to myself beyond American. I am not part of the larger victim culture and refuse to associate myself in that way. The fact is, I really don't care if they are insensitive. I wouldn't have known about the comment had it not been covered here, here, and here. And that is not including the original reference in this post. I find it offensive that it took a racially charged slur to tick people off.

Desperate Housewives is just a symptom of a greater disease. The disease is serious moral decline. This show glamorizes adultery and pretends this is normal, perfectly acceptable behavior. Fine. The producers are just making what gets ratings. The real problem lies with the society that accepts it, watches it, and embraces it. Not that families even need to watch prime time television (heaven-forbid the almighty media get turned off in a household once in a while), but when you do turn it on you choose this as quality entertainment? This show is just one of many.

I'm not going to ask you to write letters to the producers or the FCC. I won't direct you to some internet petition. I'm not asking you to take any action at all. I have enough faith in the people that read this that they are smart enough to just turn the television off.

UPDATE: Aren't you relieved? They apologized. Right here. But not for the fact that I vomited in my mouth a little when it dawned on me that I had actually written about this so-called sitcom which is actually just porn in shiny packaging. If you want to watch smut, then do it. Just don't try to convince me that it is anything else.

Check Mate!

2007-10-01T12:12:00.001-07:00

My kid beat me at chess yesterday. First time ever. He was so excited, and I am so proud of him. He beat me fair and square. I did not let him win. It was a very clean check mate. I'm going to have to work harder to stay competitive with my 8 year old.

He had his first tournament on Saturday, September 29th. He didn't win anything individually, but his team took first and second place. I've mentioned the Chess Club here before. These kids are really amazing. Provided my son can keep up with his schoolwork and behavior in class, his next tournament will be October 20th. He's bound to just keep getting better. And I've already noticed a change in his level of motivation at school.

Feel free to visit IdaFreemanChess.com, shop in the store. It helps the team.

Personal/Family Update

2007-10-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

I actually watched the sunrise on Saturday. It came up about 2 hours after I got up. It's been a long time since I've done that. We had to be up at 4:30 so we could get the kiddo up, fed, and at the school by 5:45. Funny how it's hard to go back to bed after 5 shots of espresso. Once he was off to his chess tournament, we headed back home. I parked on the stationary bike that has yet to find a better home than my front porch and used the handlebars as a make shift tripod and took a couple of pictures. I haven't downloaded them from my camera yet. I'll share them when I do.

Lately, it doesn't feel like I've had any just peaceful moments, but Saturday morning was good for me. I was reminded that no matter what else is going on, the sun keeps rising. New days begin. Anyone that has been reading this knows that I am certainly the cynic, but if its possible to be both a cynic and an optimist, then that's me. I'm feeling a little more like myself and hope to be returning to more entertaining fare. Although, I will likely continue to get personal from time to time. I will be making an attempt to get back to my opinions and commentary about random stuff. No promises that there will not be some bleed through.

Here is today's personal update.

Granddad moved to the hospice facility on Saturday. It seems to be a very nice place and the nursing staff is great. They flirt with him, blow him kisses, and one even offered to marry him and take him home. I talked to him after he got settled in. He told me that he knew the doctors were telling him that he wasn't going to win this one, but that didn't mean he was ready to give up the fight. I told him that I would pray for him to be strong.

He's been taking this opportunity to tell the family some old stories. Some I had heard before, some I hadn't. I'll try to put together what I can. He felt his most important thing to say was not a fun one. He told us that killing someone in war is awful. I can't believe he had been carrying that around for the last 60 years. As I told him, I am so proud and so thankful that he did that. And so sorry that he had to experience it. Real men don't go to war because they want to, they do it because it's their duty. He was one of the lucky ones that performed his duty well and came home from WWII. He wanted to say it because there are so many so-called men that like to brag about how many people they killed in the war. Granddad went to war because his country called him to do so and to be a man. I wish there were more men like Granddad.

Lots of family came down to visit on Sunday so I didn't stay long at hospice. He's was in good spirits even though he was very tired.

Family-update

2007-09-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Went to visit Granddad last night. My son and his 2 year old cousin spent the whole time giggling in the adjacent sitting room. It's been so nice to have the space. Granddad seemed to be feeling kind of peaceful. We asked him if the kids were making too much noise, and he told us that the giggles sounded good to him. Laughter has always been music to Granddad.

My mother wasn't there. Earlier in the day, she slipped on the freshly mopped floor in Granddad's room and fell and broke her wrist. She is heart-broken that she had to go home. She needed to spend a night in her own bed though.

He is able to swallow now. I'm relieved that he can actually have some food instead of just what they can put through an IV. They will be moving him to the hospice facility sometime soon.

My mother asked us to email stories about Granddad to help comfort him and Nana. I will share what I wrote here:

I will never forget summer time when Mandy and I would go and stay with Nana and Granddad. Granddad would see us in our swimsuits ready to play in the sprinkler and say, "Now you boys don't get wet." We'd put our hands on our hips and tell him emphatically that we weren't boys. He'd just smile with that ornery twinkle in his eye. Of course, you would have to have a sense of humor to not only survive living in a house full of Bullington women, but to invite 2 grand-daughters to take over your basement as their 'apartment' as we called it. He had seemingly limitless patience with our coffee table concerts. We would sing into hair brushes or flashlights while standing on the coffee table in the basement.
I remember Granddad's van. The grandkids liked to sit in the very back because when you hit a bump you would float out of your seat. To this day I still think of those as Granddaddy bumps. We would land and giggle and he would laugh with us. I always felt safe and loved when I was with Nana and Granddad.
I was so happy when Granddad retired and they moved to Yukon. As a teenager, I would often escape there when I wanted to feel at home but didn't really want to be around my parents. I liked to sit on the porch swing and talk to Granddad while he filled the bird feeders and cleaned the bird bath. I could talk about anything with them.

I owe much of the person I am today to the time I spent growing up around Nana and Granddad.

It's been so hard to watch his health deteriorate. He's always been one of the strongest people I know. His sense of humor is still there though. I honored to get to hold his hand and offer him some comfort. And I'm glad I inherited enough humor to make him crack a smile.

He's always been a sort of pillar in my life. I'm so glad that his suffering is nearly over, but I wish I didn't have to lose him for that to happen.

Family-Part 2

2007-09-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

There have been so many ups and downs with this whole thing. I just don't know how to feel. I'm very upset and either crying or near tears most of the time. I don't want to lose GrandDad, but it would be horribly selfish to want him to keep going in his current condition. I don't even want that in my most selfish inner self. It's so painful to watch him suffer like that. I trust that God is in control and has the absolute best outcome laid out for this. I really do. But I have to say that this emotional roller coaster is torture on all of us. I know that often we have to fall down completely before we can accept that God is picking us up and carrying us through.

I think that old footprints poem that so many people have hung in their homes is missing something. At least in the case of someone as stubborn and hard headed as I am. In mine, there includes marks of limping and crawling and trying claw ahead on my own and then the mark left by my body in a heap before I just let God pick me up and carry me through. Either that, or there is some kind of big stick that he used to knock me out laying on the side of the path. But that's because I'm stubborn and really do think that I can do it most of the time. I'm proven wrong regularly. I'm just too thick headed to get the idea.

God, I give up. I can't do it. Please carry me.

We got the biopsy results today. He has lung cancer. The doctor gave him 2 months to live provided there are no further complications. He said there were no treatment options given his weakened state. He said to give him whatever he wants. If he asks for a hamburger, the instructions are to try and let him eat it.

So I guess that's it. I'm glad we know that he's going home. I'm really going to miss him. I can't put into words how much.

Family

2007-09-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

I have to apologize for not making an entry yesterday, but I have a good reason. But I want the 5 of you that read this to know that I really do appreciate you and don't want to slight you any randomness that crosses my mind. I wasn't funny or cynical or especially sarcastic yesterday. I may not be today. For one, I was sick. My stomach was upset and I had major vertigo. Hard to type on moving keys. And I swear, I had not been drinking. I'm a little better today. The world is not spinning so I can deal with the spiny urchin that appears to have taken up residence in my stomach. It's really not that bad, I'm exaggerating for effect. But that really wasn't the biggest reason I didn't make an entry. I could have griped and moaned and acted pathetic so you would feel sorry for me. Although the sympathy is nice, I really don't need it.

Shortly after I got home, my mother called. She was telling me that they are transferring my granddad from one hospital to another for a biopsy. My granddad has been sick for some time now. He had a bad fall Memorial Day weekend and nothing has been right since. He spent the summer going between hospital rooms and a nursing home. We all really thought he was doing better though. Last Friday, he got to go home. The summer's ordeal has left him weak, but he has been going through rehabilitation and could get around to a limited degree. Although nervous, we were all glad to see him get to be home. On Saturday, he was in so much pain that they called the ambulance. In the ER, they discovered that he has three compression fractures in his spine. There is a nifty sounding procedure for that involving a balloon and cement. If it works, it should give him immediate pain relief. In the work-up for that, they found a couple of spots in his liver that they fear could be cancer. The big scary C word. They transferred him to another hospital to do a biopsy. The frightening part about it is that he has grown so weak that just putting him under the anesthesia is a major risk. There is a definite possibility that he will not wake up. They have signed a Do Not Resuscitate order. Everyone is in agreement that it is time. So we spent the afternoon to evening with the rest of my family in the hospital.

Granddad still has his sense of humor. Without that, what do we have left? He made jokes with the doctor and all of us. He can't wear his teeth right now and is hard of hearing, so he is very difficult to understand. He's glad to have all of us around. He may be having hallucinations, but he still has hit wit.

He has a really great doctor. This guy had really done his homework and studied Granddad's records before he arrived. He has phenomenal bedside manner. He welcomed all of us into the hospital room and talked to all of us. He didn't make us go away while he talked to Granddad and asked him all the medical history questions. When he started that, Granddad smarted off to him saying that he had all the records, he didn't need to ask. Said with a smile. The doctor laughed along with us. The doctor said to Granddad, "As long as you are here, you are Dad to me. And I will treat you that way." He also told him that he may be the captain of this ship, but God is the admiral and whatever happens, God is the one running the show. Then he joined hands with all of us and prayed. He signed the form saying that it is a medical necessity for Granddad to have a private room. He let all of us ask questions and talked frankly with us. He told us what he knows and what he does not know. He said that if we needed to talk to him, to leave a note on Granddad's chart. He told us that he would rather give no information than wrong information, so he would call when he was sitting in front of the chart. I was so very impressed. This doctor helped with a lot of stress for all of us. It was very emotional and everyone cried. He asked Granddad that if God were to call him home whether or not Granddad wanted the doctor to try and bring him back. Granddad very clearly said no. We know the time we have left is likely short. It is wonderful that God sent us a doctor that will handle it with such sensitivity, dignity and respect.

I heard from my mother today. They will not be doing the biopsy until tomorrow. The doctor thinks that Granddad may have double pneumonia. Since Granddad has refused a feeding tube, if he's got it, there really isn't anything they can do. We hope the prognosis is better, but that's in God's hands.

It's just not in me to rant about current events or just stream random thoughts. Please bear with me. We will return to our regularly scheduled programming soon.

Update: He can't swallow. Not water or pudding. They are deciding now whether or not to do the back surgery. Realistically, there wouldn't be much point. They probably will not do the biopsy. They are making arrangements with hospice to make him comfortable

Cat Pictures

2007-09-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

I got the most reader response when I posted pictures of my cats. I guess you like them. Here's another few pics

Ferrule has Frootbat Ears!

Looking all sweet and innocent

I have some really bad pictures of Ferrule that I took with my cell phone the day I rescued him. Maybe I will post that story sometime

Excerpts

2007-09-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

I'm in a decidedly sour mood today. There are biological reasons for this which I will not go into on the internet. Yes, I have standards of decency. Some things just should not be blogged about. Rather, I am going to apply my acerbic sentiments to stuff I read in the news.

Doctors may not start widely prescribing exercise as a depression treatment just yet. But for patients who are motivated to try exercise, it could be a reasonable option, the study authors say. Ref

Let's get this straight. Studies are showing that there is a chemical free way to treat depression, but doctors would rather give patients a pill. Figures. Exercise is likely the magic solution to many problems plaguing the world and the US in particular, but it's exceedingly difficult to profit monetarily from it. Sure there are health club memberships and equipment to sell, but that doesn't create the returns that drugs and side effects do. I'm pretty sure the net worth of Merck is far higher than Gold's gym. And yet you can treat obesity, depression, heart disease, and the dreaded muffin top syndrome without needles and chemicals by putting in some time at the gym.

And we move on to People magazine:

Alternative-rock icon Eddie Vedder spearheaded a '90s Seattle musical sound around adolescent angst. Ref

Spearheaded? You've got to be kidding me. If by 'spearheaded', they mean 'sanitized for the masses' then I could buy that. Yes, Pearl Jam has sold a lot of albums. I suppose the voice coaching with the Swedish Chef really paid off for Mr. Vedder. But the alternative-rock icon that should be credited with spearheading the Seattle sound should be Kurt Cobain. Every generation has it's music, 90's rock just so happens to be the music of mine. Pearl Jam produced alternative rock for the mainstream, which is arguably the antithesis of everything alternative music was about. But at least he thinks he is a good father. We can all rest easy. Maybe he will stuff his mouth with cotton and produce another gem for us all.

Dissenting views are welcome. But as I have yet to receive any, I will continue to assume that I am right and everyone agrees with me.

TV

2007-09-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

I don't watch TV. I know, weird right? I missed Brittney's *ahem* comeback performance. Yeah, I've seen it online. It was bad. Seriously though, she was never good in the first place. She was just a gyrating mass of over-exposed flesh. Honestly, I've read enough about the supreme awfulness of it and the pathetic people defending her. That's the thing with Hollywood annoyances, they aren't real and if you ignore them, they really will go away. Hollywood types survive on attention alone. It doesn't matter if you are hurling vile insults at them with your acid tipped comments. How many times have you ever heard about an attention starved media icon? You don't. It's bad for ratings. They don't care whether or not you like it, they just want you to watch. The train wreck factor applies in the the entertainment industry.
I do watch movies though. And I love a good anime. We're up to 3 shelves of anime DVD's. I have warned you that I am a nerd right? When the IRS paid back the interest free loan we gave them last year, we took the money and bought a high definition projector. It's so cool. And there is just something seriously awesome about seeing the images of giant robots 3 feet tall. Ichigo's sword really is freaking huge on a 91 inch screen painted on the wall. And the best part about it is, I never have to see an anime heroine 20 pounds over-weight prancing around in bikini that is 2 sizes too small. They would never draw her that way. It's just not hot.