Maybe Next Time He'll Listen to Me

Sometimes I wonder why I even speak. Hubby will listen to anyone else's opinion - my mom, his mom, his sister, coworkers. But if I say something is one way or the other he argues. I could say the sky is blue and he wouldn't believe me until he confirmed it with someone else. I'm not sure why.

So when I told him that putting a large candle holder on a small shelf was a bad idea I knew he wouldn't listen. My argument was actually that I didn't really want flames underneath guns... but really just didn't want it up there. It didn't look right.

Less than 30 minutes after he insisted on having this beautiful (and retired) Partylite candle holder on the gun shelf......

CRASH!

Scared the piss out of me. My heart is still hammering and I'm a bit peeved. I'm trying not to yell at him. I scooted the doggies into the kitchen and put the baby gate up ... hubby is in the process of sweeping and vacuuming.

It also broke a new candle holder that I'd just given him for Christmas. A pretty little pine cone candle holder - the inside glass broke.

=(

I'm very sad. I know they are just things (and thank God the guns weren't actually loaded...they're older antique ones but still can fire) but still ... loud crashing things when I'm relaxing are not the best way to start my Friday night.

Anyone know where I can get a new candle holder like this one? I really don't want to pay $40... I don't think I paid that much for it to begin with.

Big Hairy Ones

I watched in awe yesterday as Governor Blago appointed Roland Burris, some 70+ year old, requisite black guy to The One's Senate seat.

My first thought was - that's ballsy.

Here the guy is under investigation, basically for fraud, although I'm not sure of the exact charge. Selling a senate seat I guess isn't that big a deal in politics, eh?

And yet, despite this black cloud (oops, is that racist?) hanging over his head, he is refusing to bow out gracefully and continues to perform his duties as governor. If this were a Republican governor do you think this would be a bigger issue?

I am not saying that the media is giving him a totally free pass...I'm glad that they aren't. But I do think if he were GOP the calls for his head would be bellowed near and far.

Regardless, no matter his party, he's certainly acting as though the issue should not taint his actions now.

And the guy who got up to speak, basically interrupting the press conference by Blago and Burris, is a complete idiot. Apparently a former Black Panther, Bobby Rush thinks that to not appoint another black man into the One's spot is the height of racism.

"I would ask you to not hang or lynch the appointee as you try to castigate the appointer. Roland Burris is worthy," Rush said.

Ouch. Okay, race card played. Well done. Next?

If Harry Reid and the Congress don't allow Burris ... then what? They'll be labeled racists obviously. But what is the legal standing for this?

I'm truly astounded by Blago's big hairy ones. He certainly isn't backing down and I think he's causing quite a debacle for the Democratic party. Which I of course find hilarious. But it's also quite pathetic and sad.

Does it say anything at all that this is the environment "The One" comes from?

A Year in Review

My memory sucks. I can hardly remember what I did a week ago, let alone at the beginning of last year.

I do remember turning 30. Not as fun as you'd think but it wasn't as painful as I expected either. I still feel pretty much the same. I had a big sale and giveaway with my jewelry and that was really fun, but it burned me out too. So I took the summer off and didn't do much of anything jewelry wise. And as you can probably imagine sales didn't exactly spike.

Sales in general were down (I think...I'm woefully behind in my paperwork) but I'm okay with that too. My website crashed and lost all data prior to 2007 and I decided at that point to simplify things. I got rid of the shopping cart and now the site is simply a gateway to my actual shop. I may even revise that and have it automatically go to the Etsy shop instead of landing on the separate website. But that will be next year.

Simplification is important. When life gets too complicated I get a little freaked out. :)

One really important part of my life started this year. Trooper and I started Agility training last February (or March...like I said, bad memory). After less than a year of training he and I will have our very first trial this coming January. I'm freaked but excited. He's such a special dog and my bond with him has grown exponentially through our training. He really is "My" baby, much to my hubby's chagrin.


In October-ish we adopted a new dog. Timber Wolf makes four in our pack. He was horribly abused by his former owner (who I'd like to do some very bad things to) but you would never know it. And even though he bit me recently I still love him tons and tons. He's the sweetest most loving dog we've ever had.


My "real" job has been very stressful recently. I'd been really bored throughout the year and had even dreamed of quitting and staying home to do jewelry full time. That is a really unrealistic goal and my focus has become ever sharper since the financial markets melted down.

You know the saying about death focusing the mind. Well, a potential layoff does the same thing. My focus is strong and very much alert at work now. Okay, granted I'm writing this at work but come on...nobody is here today and the whole week has been dead.

I'm certainly not bored at work any longer. I'm just praying that the next three months find me here and not at home with a severance package. I'll keep praying for that one and wouldn't mind a few extra prayers.

In November hubby took me shooting for the first time ever and YEEHAW did I have fun. I still haven't decided which gun I want but I'm leaning toward a revolver because I did not shoot the semi auto very well. I want to be able to shoot someone without jamming the damn gun. And by shoot someone - I mean defend myself and my family obviously.

I don't really remember much else from this year. If someone traumatic happened I've blocked it out. Oh wait...except for the trauma of Obama. heh That pretty much sucks but I've (sort of) come to terms with it and tried not to have so much emotion invested in the outcome of the election as to throw me into a spiralling depression. So far so good. Any depression I have won't be because of The One.

The one thing that worries me is my tendency this year to feel extremely suicidal. It's a scary feeling, let me tell you. I'm pretty sure my meds are still working but they aren't perfect. And I'm too scared to try new meds because the results are so unknown. Being bipolar sucks but it is what it is.

So 2008 ends tonight. I'll be eating chocolate all day in anticipation of my chocolate fast in 2009. With all the stress I see in my future it might not have been the best resolution to make but I am going to try with all my might to keep it.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year's Eve. Please remember that one drink will impair your driving. Don't drink and drive. Pretty please. :)

I'm Flummoxed

I really don't understand the urge for people to blame Israel for the violence occurring right now. Seriously. I don't get it.

Watching the news this morning, Bill Hemmer (I think that's his name) got pissed at some Palestinian spokes person who seriously tried to say that the Palestinians were innocent in all of this. I just listened to her with my mouth open in awe. These people have such a skewed sense of reality ... to the point of embracing death. I was quite proud of Bill's reaction ... though he was a lot more reserved than I would have been.

Israel has held back more than any other country would be expected to do. Rockets lobbed at their cities at all times of the day and night, killing innocent civilians and terrorizing their citizens. And this is during the so called peaceful cease fire time.

Hamas are nothing more than thugs, bullies, terrorists, and murderers and yet people are crying over their blood and blaming Israel for their "overreaction". I suppose the appropriate response is to bend over and just take it. Of course, those who tend to blame Israel would not shed a tear if the map no longer included that tiny piece of land surrounded by basket cases.

It infuriates me that there are so many, otherwise logical and moderately sane, people see Israel as the aggressor. Even YouTube seems to think that terrorists have more a right to "defend" themselves against the "evil Jews" than the IDF has to post videos showing terrorists getting their deserved treatment.

I need to go back and re-read some of my history books about the history of Israel. But I do know that their actions against Hamas (really a proxy war with Iran) are completely justified. Any civilian deaths should be blamed directly on Hamas who chooses to hide among children and innocents.

Times Really Must be Bad

If Mr. Monopoly is going bankrupt then things must be bad. After all, he was created during the Great Depression!

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Found via Can You Be Part of My Life? Love this blog! :)

How Do You Wear It?

I'm wearing a skirt today. I don't know why. There's hardly anyone here in the office so dressing down would make more sense but I had the urge to wear one of my skirts. Whatever.

So it zips up and the tag is right at the zipper. Most of my zip up skirts zip at the side and the tag goes in the back. What in the heck do I do with the zipper and the tag in the same spot?

The dilemma comes because when I have the tag and zipper in back those string things that keep the skirt on the hanger end up in the front and back. So that seems wrong right? Those should be on the side.

But for the life of me, wearing the tag on my side just seems wrong.

This is the important issue of my day today.

Back to Normal

The presents are all opened and everyone has gone home. Although we still have left overs to snack on. :)

I'm ready to get the tree out of here. I think having a tree is overrated and that horrifies my mother in law, sister in law, and hubby. They seem to think that the tree is sacred. I just don't see that. I like it. It's pretty. But it's a hassle. It gets needles everywhere. I stress about making sure it has enough water so that it doesn't dry out, catch on fire, and burn our house down.

Yeah...a little paranoia there.

And the garbage STILL hasn't gotten picked up! It's been over two weeks and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate regular garbage pick up. We have bags piling up in the garage. If it were just regular weeks it would be bad enough but we're talking the Christmas season of garbage pile up. Hubby and I are planning a dump run even though when the garbage does get picked up we will be allowed to put extra bags out for no fee ... I can't stand all this stuff piling up. Plus we have other junk that needs to be tossed too. =)

All in all though it was a very good Christmas this year. My mom usually gets really depressed but she seemed happy that my brother was here. And he seemed to have a good time too...nicotine withdrawals aside.

I have to go back to work tomorrow and right now I'm looking forward to it, but check with me tomorrow morning to see if I'm still happy. =) Well, even if I wasn't I'd pretend ... I'm just glad to still have a job!

Safe and Swift

That was my prayer last night as I drove six hours round trip to pick up my little brother in Portland, OR. He was completely snowed and iced in and that, in combination with his extreme and debilitating anxiety, meant that either someone picked him up or he stayed there for Christmas. And I was having none of that.

I begged hubby to let me take our truck down, but he was reluctant. The weather wasn't exactly stellar and he was worried about my safety. He also doesn't really understand the whole paralyzing affect that anxiety has on someone. The thought of trying to dig out his car, with his not so great tires, and drive on sheets of ice did not inspire my brother to leave his apartment. Not to mention that he, once again, ran out of one of his medications and is trying to quit smoking. Sheesh. It's the tri-fecta.

My mom was just about heartbroken with the thought that brother wouldn't be here with us for Christmas. So I had her call hubby and guilt trip him into letting me go. Ha! He said it was a low blow, but it worked. I just wasn't able to convey the importance to him, or explain properly why brother couldn't get himself to a train or bus. Something I'd probably be able to do myself but I refuse to let my anxiety defeat me. I'm kind of bitchy that way. =)

So I loaded up Harry Potter into the CD player and headed out into the ice and show. Our area isn't exactly that great right now either with the weather but Portland is way worse. Parts of the freeway were still iced over and they were predicting more ice and snow last night. The "main" roads of Portland are a nightmare. Just THICK with ice and ruts and people sliding everywhere. Cars were buried past their tire and had a foot plus of snow on top...even the SUVs.

God Bless our Ford F150 King Ranch. I love that truck. It kicked so much ass last night I actually had FUN driving in all the crap.

Finally made it home around ten and headed to bed since this morning it was all about wrapping gifts.

But our family will be together today and tomorrow and that is what matters. I made it safely and swiftly. I hope we have an equally safe and swift trip to my aunt's this afternoon for our annual Christmas Eve dinner. We're having Brisket. Hmmmmm.....Yummy!

A very Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. Much love!!! =)

Should We Suppress Our Every Whim?

I found this article via Instapundit (an addictive site for which I await updates at all hours). It's fascinating and quite well written (wish I could write so well).

The similarities between young and old Britain and American people are striking. Though I do suspect that if you went back 100 years there were people opining the good old days and the better spirit of the elders compared to the youth.

But have the Brits lost their "stiff upper lip"?

"Certainly, many Britons under the age of 30 or even 40 now embrace a kind of sub-psychotherapeutic theory that desires, if not unleashed, will fester within and eventually manifest themselves in dangerous ways. To control oneself for the sake of the social order, let alone for dignity or decorum (a word that would either mean nothing to the British these days, or provoke peals of laughter), is thus both personally and socially harmful."

Yet how is that different from young Americans? Though I would lower the age to 20-30 in the case of Americans because I *think* that by 30 or 40 people have started to mellow out. But I could be wrong about that and just drawing from my own biased life.

"as a consequence of this change in character, indictable crime has risen at least 900 percent since 1950. In the same period, the homicide rate has doubled"

Perhaps it is time for the Brits to reexamine their gun laws ... if the criminals knew that regular folks could defend themselves it would do something to decrease those crime rates.

The whole article is really fascinating and worth the read. =)

Help! I'm Trapped in the Kitchen!

And I'm not cooking.

Hubby and a coworker's husband are in the living room putting in our new floor. Which I could not be more thrilled about. I've been having a hard time living with no carpet, no floor, and all our furniture spread willy nilly the last week.

The walls are painted and hopefully tonight the new floor will be in. Woohoo!

But while they work I am stuck in the kitchen doggy sitting. The baby gate is up and the door to the outside is open so they can go in and out ... and I'm FREEZING my butt off!

I've taken photos of the progress and will share when we're done. I'm really excited with the flooring we picked out. It's gorgeous...very rich looking, without actually requiring a rich wallet. =) It cost less than I expected actually. It's a wood looking laminate and goes well with the country theme we like.

I hope everyone is staying warm. They're calling for more snow and cold weather in the next few days. I hope so and at the same time I don't ... mom said we may not have Christmas if the roads are too bad. Which would so totally suck. Regardless, we'll make it with the chains on our truck tires.

Goals are Tricky Things

So...I never make New Year's Resolutions. I pretty much think they're lame and I never keep them anyway.

But I've been getting more and more fed up with my body and my inability to control my eating habits. It's incredibly frustrating and demoralizing to say the least. Both hubby and I have gained a lot of weight since we were married 6 years ago - he doesn't fit into his old uniforms. Looking at our wedding photos makes me want to cry.

His nemesis is fast food. Especially when he's working night shift. Sometimes he'll hit BK twice in a night. Or Jack in the Box, since they are open 24 hours. It's hard out there when you're in the middle of a night shift and I totally get that. But when he spends over $90 in four days I get a little pissed. Ya know?

So hubby and I chatted today and both agreed on challenges for us in the new year. At first he said no fast food for the whole year but I asked if that was really an attainable goal. I mean, I don't want him to starve or anything.

We decided that his goal will be to spend no more than $10 a week at fast food places, but that doesn't include coffee. As much as it bugs me to see the $3 and $4 charge for coffee, I'd much rather he does that than get sleepy on the job.

My goal will be a little tougher (I think). I've decided that I really need to focus and the only way to do that is cut certain things totally out of my life. The first thing I will cut is chocolate. I love chocolate. Mostly in the form of ice cream but Reeses Peanut Butter Cups will work too. And mint chocolate.

But if I am going to lose weight and truly make changes in my physical self I can't do it half assed. I can't just have a little piece of chocolate here and there. Once I start eating I don't stop. It's compulsive and I will eat until I literally puke. :( I can't count the number of times I've made myself sick.

So come 2009 we will start saving money ... no more Dove Toffee Caramel Moment ice cream (the absolute best ice cream in the whole wide world!). No more peanut butter cups. No more baskin robbins.

There are a lot more things I should cut out - Dr. Pepper for one. My teeth would thank me. But this one will already be traumatic and I will go through some serious withdrawals. Sugar addiction really sucks you know. =)

There Are No Words

Okay...maybe there are a few words. =)

I know that there are people who almost worship "The One" but I guess I've been a little sheltered from their ramblings. Thank goodness for Entrecard. :) Someone 'dropped' their card on my site so I went to look at theirs ... though I knew what I was in for considering the title "My Obama Inspired Blog."

Now, I could start one of those but it wouldn't exactly be flattering.

Is it mean to make fun of this person? I don't *want* to be mean but I just laughed the whole time I browsed her blog. I swear people like this think "The One" is going to solve all of their problems. I suppose it's people like this who fall into cults.

"When I heard about it this afternoon I was absolutely elated! Of all the possible people that could have been named for this honor and for President-Elect Obama to actually receive this is just absolutely amazing! He truly deserves it for all that he has accomplished and for the historical moment he has provided this great country. If Mr. Obama gets this honor this year - just imagine what kind of accolades he will receive over the next 8 years as he helps to rebuild this country and restore our good name around the world!"

(Emphasis mine) Wow...well, you know the oceans are supposed to lower and the world is supposed to love us now.

What is this person going to do when all the promises "The One" made don't come to fruition? Will she see the error in her ways for putting so much hope and faith in one politician? Or, as a cult follower, will she make excuses?

I've never worshiped Bush. I did not vote for him in 2000 but did in 2004. I haven't made excuses for him when he's screwed up ... as he has especially recently. But I certainly never put my future happiness in his presidency.

Are there really people who are so weak as to get this excited over one man? I got excited about Palin (and I still luv the woman ... in a heterosexual, non cultish way) but never believed (nor do I believe now) that she was the answer to all my problems.

Bobo gave her his award of the week and it freaked her out ... I guess her delicate little socialism loving soul can't take a joke. Which is typical of most liberals I know. If she's going to blog on the big world wide web she better grow some thicker skin. Her tantrum rant against Bobo was funny and rude. "wahhh...bobo hurt my feelings so I'm going ignore him and deny his entre card ad request." Why doesn't she go pout in the corner while she's at it. Bobo has wonderful conversations with open minded liberals all the time. He also gives great links to liberals who submit to his carnivals. He has extreme ideas but that's what makes him interesting!

Her use of the term "neo - con" is especially funny. I don't think she even knows what the term means though she uses it loosely. I don't even know what it means. I think it means different things to different people and I've heard that it has an anti-semetic bent to it. If it means "new" conservative then I guess that is me. I used to be an empty headed unthinking liberal like Sarah. But I grew up.

I have no faith that we can all hold hands, sing Kumbaya, and solve the world's problems. I have no faith that government actually works for us, though that is the ideal.

So, am I picking on her? Maybe. I read through her blog and just felt like smacking her upside the head and yelling "are you freaking serious?" Think for yourself woman!

I Love This Weather!

My dogs always amuse me but they provide all kinds of additional joy in this weather!

What?


Mmmm...this snow tastes yummy...just don't eat the yellow snow.


Does this new coat make me look fat? They say not to wear white after Labor day.


If I hold real still you can't see me.


I love having snow dogs. They just love this weather and have so much fun running, jumping, and chasing each other. . . or in Trooper's case just laying down in it.

Now if we can just hold on to our power this will be a wonderful little storm. Oh, and I am praying that no trees come down either. That does stress me out.

Hubby had an overtime shift scheduled an hour away tonight but he's already on his way home. Both stores closed or were closing early so there was no need for security. LOL I'll be glad to have him home tonight.

Not a Cart to be Found

Holy Chaos batman!

I left the house around 10 a.m., as cold as a witches ta-ta. It's warmed up to 24 degrees now.

It took me 20 minutes just to clear the snow off my car and warm it up enough to clear the windows for driving. Made my way to Walgreens to use up some coupons that expire today ... spent less than $10 for three 4 packs of the good toilet paper, a thing of peanut butter, two things of packaging tape, and 6 bags of chocolate. Yeah, I done good.

Cabellas was pretty easy ... the parking lot was a sheet of ice but people seemed to be taking their time. Safeway was the same...I had to take advantage of their soda deal to get more cheap Dr. Pepper. I might have to give it up in the new year though...I think I'm addicted.

Fred Meyer was INSANE. Seriously.

First of all...no parking spots. I don't think I've ever parked as far away as I did today. Second ... NO carts. I'm not joking. I went to three different entraces to try to find carts and not a single one was there. I talked to one of the staff who talked to the guy who does the carts and he said that he keeps going out to get them but there are none in the parking lot. They were ALL being used!!! Can you friggin' believe that? It's not a small store and there are a lot of carts.

Needless to say... it took me a good ten minutes just to find a cart - which I did by going to the furthest, least used entrance and going back outside to find an abandoned one. There were a total of three. I got one. Another lady who I met in my journey grabbed one and I suggested to a couple that they grab the last one on their way in.

So I start to get the things on my list ... milk, eggs, the usual. There are so many people in the store and I always hate being in crowds that large but everyone was smiling and really friendly. It was such a weird situation but everyone was being really great.

I finally made my way up to the front to check out and was floored. So floored that I even took pictures with my phone, but have no idea how to download them so you'll have to take my word for it. The lines were pure insanity. I had no idea where any line started. They were going back into the ailses. I joked with one of the cashiers not on duty (my favorite cashier who had just started her lunch) that by the time she got back from lunch I'd still be there in line.

Literally, I've been going to this same Fred Meyer since I was a little girl and I have never seen it like this. Even before Thanksgiving, Easter, etc. Again, everyone had a great attitude about it since it was so bizarre. I gave the guy in line behind me coupons for his batteries. When I finally got up to the cashier she said it was like this yesterday too.

People have been trapped in their homes because of the snow and finally ventured out today to get supplies. Except we have a new storm system that wasn't supposed to hit until tomorrow but it is here today. And it started even earlier than the news said. So apparently everyone was stocking up...the cashier said it wasn't Christmas items being purchased, it was all food.

As I was leaving I had someone ask if they could walk back to my car with me and take my cart after I unloaded!!! hahahahaha Talk about funny. I've never had that happen before. Of course I said yes...though I should have tried for the highest bidder. *grin*

I'm glad that everyone was happy and in great spirits. No one was rude or angry or fighting over carts. I'm glad to be out of it though ... home and snug with the fireplace roaring and the snow falling outside.

Now it's time for a nap. God Bless vacations! =)

No Wonder I Can't Feel My Fingers

It's 11 freaking degrees!!!

I suffer for my dogs. The door has been open all morning so that Timber and Trooper can play in the snow. We always leave the door open when the dogs are out...because they can't stand it closed. It's all about the dogs you know.

I'm preparing to go out and get some groceries. My car is going to take awhile to defrost ... there's at least 6 inches of snow on it. Hopefully the door will open. :)

There's another storm forecast starting tonight going through tomorrow. I love it when it snows but I've been feeling very clausterphobic being stuck in the house for two and a half days now. So I'm going to brave the roads and hope that once I get out of our neighborhood they will be more clear. It's compact snow and ice here now.

I much prefer snow to rain though so I'm praying that the cold air sticks around. It would be our first White Christmas in years and would make my MIL and SIL SOOOO happy. =) They're used to feet and feet of snow in Pennsylvania.

I need to close the door...now my feet are feeling icy. Brrrrrrr!

So Much for the Free Market

I wake up on the first day of my vacation ... snow covers everything and the dogs are loving it. Then I watch the news.

First mistake.

I get to see the soon to be ex-President say that the Executive branch is taking action where the congress didn't. Because "the people" don't want the car makers to fail.

Uh huh. That's why the duly elected members of Congress voted down the plan - because of all the people calling their offices in support of the car makers. Right.

So the government steps in and props up a failing business with an unsuccessful business model and the unions win.

Citing danger to the national economy, the Bush administration approved an emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry Friday, offering $17.4 billion in rescue loans in exchange for concessions from the deeply troubled carmakers and their workers.

*sigh* And of course the soon to be President praises the action ... which is easy for him to do since he doesn't have to take responsibility for the repercussions. He can just point back and say "it was the other guy's fault."

The news story in fact is already blaming Bush for the inevitable failure of this plan.

Bush's plan is designed to keep the auto industry running in the short term, passing the longer-range problem on to the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama.

And Paulson gets even more power.

What a waste of tax payer money. I'm extremely disappointed in the President and do not see this action helping the current economy.

Hands Out or Up?

Either I can beg for money or I can raise my hands as they force me to give up my tax dollars to bail out the beggars. It all makes me slightly ill.

Look at this chart I found when surfing Entrecards.


I'm really glad that Creative Voltage included their website on this graph or I'd never have found their blog, which rocks by the way.

Now, I haven't analyzed the numbers so I make no claim as to its accuracy, but doesn't it scare the shit out of you? I mean, seriously. What good is the bailout going to give us? It's not an investment. It's a boondoggle. =(

Want to See Steam Come out My Ears?

I hope that this is a case where consumer/market pressure will cause Sallie Mae to reverse their asshole decision.

On July 19, not long before his unit was to ship out, McVey's motorcycle was blindsided by a car driven by an 84-year-old woman near Camp Lejeune, N.C. He was killed instantly. He was 23 years old.

John McVey went through his son's things. Cluttered bureau drawers. Photographs and memories. He also had to settle Ian's college loans. He wrote to the lenders, asking that the debts be forgiven. Two wrote back, saying they would forgive the loans.

The third, Sallie Mae, the government-created college loan provider that privatized its operations in 2004, refused.

Assholes.

If I still had a loan with them I'd be transferring it. Even if it was with a higher rate. The people they "serve" aren't just numbers, they are humans.

And unlike the bailout for the big three automakers, a "bailout" for the father of this marine would do some actual good.

Found via Rachel Lucas.

Unintended Consequences

The "do something" disease is an epidemic in government. They have to try to make themselves seem relevant so anytime the slightest thing happens that might have a negative impact on their constituents, politicians rush to "do something" to prove that they can solve the problem.

Here we have the government trying to protect our children (it's always all about the children you know) with stringent new requirements for products intended for kids under 12.

Why does this matter? Because, once again, the politicians, in their rush to protect us, did not think through their new law.

One of my favorite things in the world is handmade items like the ones found on Etsy. I sell there and I buy there. When I have a baby I want to be able to buy clothing and toys made from the amazingly talented folks who sell their products on Etsy.

But this law may make that impossible. And it really ticks me off!

I can understand regulating manufacturers importing things in from China. But to affect the livelihoods of super small, sometimes one person, businesses who are crafters and artisans is unnecessary and harmful to the economy.

These are people who are trying to make it on their own by working for themselves. Many of the people on Etsy are understandably concerned that this law will make it impossible for them to sell their goods. And I'm worried that I won't be able to buy their products.

For small American, Canadian, and European toymakers, however, the costs of mandatory testing will likely drive them out of business.

• A toymaker, for example, who makes wooden cars in his garage in Maine to supplement his income cannot afford the $4,000 fee per toy that testing labs are charging to assure compliance with the CPSIA.
• A work at home mom in Minnesota who makes dolls to sell at craft fairs must choose either to violate the law or cease operations.
• A small toy retailer in Vermont who imports wooden toys from Europe, which has long had stringent toy safety standards, must now pay for testing on every toy they import.
• And even the handful of larger toy makers who still employ workers in the United States face increased costs to comply with the CPSIA, even though American-made toys had nothing to do with the toy safety problems of 2007.

There is an alliance of artisans and crafts people who are trying to call to the attention of lawmakers the negative consequences of this overreaching bill. Can you help???

Write to your congress person and your senator. Post about this issue on your blog. Sign the petition.

Because the more government sticks its fingers in our lives the more they will do so in the future. First they came for the toy makers ... soon they'll come for the jewelry designers. After all, we know that Chinese jewelry will contain led.

Cross Posting at Casto Creation Jewelry blog.

My First Writer's Workshop Wednesday

I like to write. Sometimes I wrote more like I speak, which isn't the best habit. But sometimes my mind goes a little blank ... the dreaded "writer's block."

I stumbled upon something called "Writer's Workshop Wednesday" and decided to start participating. It looks like a fun exercise in writing.

So...without further ado...

I've chosen this topic:
5.) Describe a Christmas tradition that you have started with your own family?

My family has almost always done the same thing every Christmas since I was a baby. We gather on Christmas Eve ... when I was younger we met at Grandma and Grandpa's house, went to church, came home for dinner, and then opened gifts. We'd stay the night and open our stockings the next morning and then head home.

As I got older our family dynamic changed a bit. One aunt and uncle got divorced so their kids had to split their time. Another aunt and uncle moved to Japan for seven years with their kids. Finally my aunt Susie decided that she wanted to have Christmas at her house, once they had finished building their insane 5,000+ square foot home. That change did not occur smoothly as there were some dissenters from breaking the current tradition (*cough* not me of course *cough*).

But for the past seven or eight years we spend Christmas Eve at her house. We eat dinner and open gifts and go home.

My new family tradition started two years ago when my mother in law and sister in law moved out here from Pennsylvania. We still spend Christmas Eve at the larger family gathering, but now we also have a small gathering at our house.

Grandpa, my mom, my brother, my sister in law, and mother in law all come over. We open any remaining gifts and have a late lunch. It's much more mellow and quiet than our Christmas Eve celebration and there aren't any kids (yet...maybe next year). My brother and grandpa usually leave before it gets dark and eventually it's just me and hubby.

Our tradition is fairly mellow I suppose. But I like it that way. The stress associated with the holidays isn't necessary if you insist on maintaining a little peace and simplicity. I am looking forward to this Christmas day.

We're having a little different food this year ... Spatchels (how do you spell that?), sausage, and peppers. =) Sort of a German Christmas meal I suppose.

Rewriting History

Because all the cool Commies are doing it.

Unfortunately for them, the internet has eyes and ears everywhere.

But no...there's no connection whatsoever.

In reality, I'm SURE that the One talked, or had his minions talk, to the gov'nr about his senate seat. It makes sense and is only logical. He's going to be president and he has a vested interest in who replaces him. That doesn't bother me.

You know the expression, It's not the Crime...it's the Cover up? That's the feeling I get here. In not being completely honest and up front about the whole thing he hedges and gives "nuanced" answers that skirt the truth. This would NOT be such an issue if he just said "yes...my staff had been talking to the governor about my senate seat but they were in no way offering any compensation" or something along those lines.

Now he just looks even sleazier (if that's possible).

via Instapundit

Rockin Out

There is a reason why I don't listen to music at work. :)

But Mr. Limbaugh is not on today and I hate listening to guest hosts so I pulled out my iPod. Instead of listening to Harry Potter I decided to pull up some music. It is SO hard for me not to move and sing to the music. But it's very quiet in here today and I think my music might carry a little too far. *grin*

So far ... just to give you a taste of my entirely too ecclectic tastes ... I've listened to the Pussycat Dolls, Out of Eden, Amy Winehouse, Out of Eden, and now Michael Jackson.

Whatever happened to that man? I used to L O V E him. Of course now he's a total freak. I remember dancing around my living room when I was 5 to Thriller. I'm listening to it right now. I want to get up and DANCE!

Speaking of? Have you seen this? LOVE IT!

It Reads Like a Spy Novel

I've always enjoyed Michael Totten's dispatches from his travels abroad but his latest piece is thrilling and just sucks you in and holds you.

Ducking With a Smile

Did you see the video of the reporter in Iraq throwing his shoes at President Bush? Classy, eh?

We had the news on last night, for some unknown reason since we rarely watch the crap, and I was cracking up watching Bush grinning and ducking. What a great sense of humor he has! And then his interview where he said it was pretty much the same as having people wave without all five fingers. hahahaha



What pissed me off though was the news reporting. Shocking right?

THIS is the story? Really?!? A guy throws his shoes at our President in Iraq and that's the big news story of his trip?

Not the fact that millions have been rescued from murderous thugs and tyranny? If this guy had thrown his shoes at Saddam Hussein he'd either be shot on the spot or fed through a wood chipper. He wouldn't be arrested and questioned...and I'm guessing he'll be released soon. There would have been not a single protest on his behalf. No questions would be asked. He'd be dead.

Does this guy not grasp the irony of this? President Bush led our country and our fighting men and women, risking their lives, to free him and his country. They are FREE because of Bush.

Those troops who fought to free the people of Iraq from tyranny don't seem to hate their leader. Get a load of the cheers! Did the news play those videos? Of course not. He looks like a rock star there. Signing autographs, people crushing in to shake his hand...nobody wants to see that.



I just find the irony amusing. God bless the troops and President Bush who worked to give this moron journalist (I guess that's redundant) the right to throw his shoes.

I Think Someone is Confused

Can someone explain this to me? The powers that be are whaling and gnashing their teeth - telling us that if we don't get some sort of "auto bailout" the entire auto industry will crash.

Wait...the ENTIRE auto industry!?!

No. I think those powers that be are slightly confused. It won't be the entire auto industry that collapses. It will be the incompetent and uncompetitive companies strangled by the UAW. Auto companies that are competitive and making great products will continue on and probably thrive in the future.

I heard all week by the talking heads that the market was going up or down based on whether the auto bailout would pass. If the market was going down they said it was because the auto bailout was not looking like a sure thing. If the market was going up they said it was because it looked like it would pass. Mind you, these explanations were given in the same day sometimes.

And yet, today...the market went up even after the bailout failed. But the explination was the same - market up on hope of bailout. WTH?

The so called bailout is a BAD idea! I don't know what the president is smoking but saying that he is now going to find a way to prevent the collapse of these companies is not only stupid but scary. The congress did NOT pass a bill and if he wants to thwart the will of the people I suppose he'll find a way. I'm sure the One is hoping that Bush will do the wrong thing so we can't blame him for the repercussions. Which will come.

I don't know who they are kidding...the bailout is not for the auto companies. It is for the unions. Thugs and bullies.

Great Music, New Artists

If you've listened to Hugh Hewitt in the last few weeks you may have heard about his new project called Amaze.fm.

Now, if you're a music junkie, or know a music junkie, this is a great site. For me, I am not a musician and I don't obsess about music, but it's still pretty cool.

And one of the songs that Hugh has been playing lately completely grabbed me and makes me want to download it to my iPod (which for now is almost all Harry Potter on book and games).

Lullaby written and sung by Rebecca Elliott was a commissioned song in honor of the orphans in the Ukraine, where there is no word for "hope" (the good kind of hope, not the fake kind of hope-change we've been hearing so much about). I'm from the Ukraine and I'd LOVE to adopt a baby from there. *sigh*

The song gives me goose bumps.

So if you know an artist, have them head over to Amaze.fm to upload their music (must be original and artist must own the copy right). Regular everyday folks log in and listen and vote for their favorites. Hugh plays the week's number one voted album on Fridays. There have been some really great ones so far.

Things That Suck

My dog, Timber, bit me last night.

Totally my fault! But damn it ... it hurts like hell. Tried five different times to get ahold of Hubby. I didn't have the dispatch phone number so I just kept trying his cell phone. Finally ended up calling my MIL who said "I'm on my way" ... because I was of course sobbing uncontrollably.

She arrived and proceeded to clean the wounds ... a puncture on my palm and on the top of my hand. Fatty tissues poking out. Extremely gross.

Hubby arrived a few minutes later...lights blazing and sirens on. LOL It's fun to have a cop hubby. And I'm thankful that his sergeant let him come home...and stay home. I was not well and he is a great caretaker.

It's not a huge bite but boy is it painful. This morning at work I was washing it up and changing the bandages (we have awesome first aid kits here) and I started feeling nauseous and faint...clammy but sweating. I was in the kitchen, laid my head down on the counter, and didn't even have enough energy to call for one of my coworkers. Finally I stumbled out of the kitchen into one of the nearby cubes into a chair and sat for about 5 minutes before the feeling passed. I'm still a little nauseous.

It hurts to type! Do you realize how much you move the top part of your hand when you type? It's amazing.

The good news...even after he bit me I did not let him up because I AM the alpha bitch! I grabbed a sweater and threw it over his head and forced him down and laid on him (sobbing the whole time) until he relaxed. I kick ass. I know. But my sweater is all bloody now. Sheesh.

I'm not mad at him. He's still my sweet boy and it really was my fault...bad situation all around. I'll be writing about what exactly happened later on my other blog, Home Zookeeper.

Hopefully the wounds heal up quickly...hubby and I are planning to paint the living room this weekend. I have too much to do to be injured. It's really hard to hold a hammer or torch with a bum hand too.

Irony is Lost on These People

I read a great book a year or so ago about Che Guevera and the idiots who support him, called "Exposing the Real Che Guevera: And the Useful Idiots Who Idolize Him" written by a survivor of Castro's cuba, Humberto Fontova. It's a fairly short read and full of jaw dropping details about the revolution that they don't teach you in school.

Reason TV has a new episode discussing how Che's popularity with the Hollywood set is actually completely ironic. Che hated capitalism and hated artists and anyone part of the educated class. Rock and Roll and Jazz was "imperialist" music. Santana, who actually likes and wears Che, was a banned music group in Cuba! People who listened to his music could be picked up by the police.

He was the main executioner of Castro, often shooting first and asking questions later.



I appreciate their connection between Nazi Germany, Hitler, and Mao with Che.

How is it possible for otherwise normal, thinking human beings to let such a psychopathic murderer be part of their lives? Would anyone (other than a Neo Nazi) wear a shirt with "Hitler is my Homeboy" t-shirt?

I have a Che shirt myself. It's a little different though. :) As you can imagine. Mine isn't this exact one but it's the same theme...


Mine says "Commies Aren't Cool" and I get a lot of double takes when I wear it here in the navy blue Washington State.

I Think I'm Now Less Respectful

I had to take a mandatory training class at work on Tuesday. It was by far the most painful and annoying class I've ever had to take.

It had phrases like "protected class" and "diversity" and other insulting words that made me roll my eyes and shake my head.

Unfortunately I had no choice but to take the class. I had even asked my boss what would happen if I didn't take the class. In this environment though I really am not interested in rocking the boat *too* much.

Of course that didn't mean that I took the class too seriously. It was PAINFUL. Seriously and truly painful.

The video segments played were ridiculous and beyond reality. A woman walks out of a meeting to chat with her male coworkers. She's clearly looking for feedback and oh boy do they "give" it to her ... if you catch my drift. They act like frat boys telling her she sure kept their attention and it wasn't her presentation. And has she been working out.

Yeah...I get that all the time!

The instructor is a lawyer (non-practicing) so of course this kind of thing keeps her in business. Diversity training - help get the economy rolling!

The only time I paid any attention is when they talked about inappropriate touching because I will snap a finger or punch someone who tries to touch me inappropriately. As a matter of fact I helped get someone fired from a previous job. He thought it was okay to "brush up" against females ... he "accidentally" touched my butt and even my boobs a couple of times before we figured out what the hell he was doing. (Why did it take more than once you ask? Because I was 16 and it was a fast food resteraunt where there wasn't exactly a lot of room. People bumped into each other all the time...but this finally became obviously on purpose.) I cannot STAND to be touched, even by accident (and no, that doesn't apply to my husband or hugs from little kids ... I love little kids) even by my mom or brother. Grandpa always thinks it's funny to "force" a hug from me but I don't mind from him ... I play along. Even my grandma had to "demand" her hug when she was alive.

But stranger touching? BACK THE FUCK OFF. That's pretty much the tone of my body language.

So I did participate in that part because I think even the nicest people don't necessarily mean to get in people's space. Some people are huggers and don't realize that it can make other seriously uncomfortable.

But all that other crap ... "be sensitive to other people's nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity" ... makes me want to puke.

I just got the feedback survey and I wasn't exactly subtle. When asked what I recommended for improving the class I suggested canceling it all together. It's an insult to thinking human beings.

If someone has a problem with another person they either need to confront the person, report it to their manager, and keep going up until the situation gets resolved. If it doesn't get resolved within the company go to a lawyer. There are many who work pro-bono or at least don't require payment until a case is won.

It's incredibly insulting and punitive to force associates to attend these kinds of things. I have done nothing wrong and yet am punished and assumed to be an ass who has to be coached to behave in an appropriate manner.

My blog may be disrespectful and annoying but trust me ... in real life I can be an angel when I want to.

The whole class (it lasts over 3 hours!) I was just thinking about how much it cost and how we're cutting jobs. Cancellation of the class costs $200. There were 26 people in class. That is $5,200 a class and there were 2 classes that day. $10,400 for that one class. The books were really fancy, spiral bound with high quality paper. TOTAL WASTE OF FUCKING MONEY!!!

One of our associates who was with us for over 20 years was just let go and I'm forced to take this waste of money crap class? WTH?!?

As you can see, I'm still a little ticked about the whole thing. I really do hope they cancel the class going forward. But somehow I doubt it.

May They Rot in Hell With Tight High Healed Shoes

My feet STILL hurt. Whoever invented heals needs to be beaten with bamboo sticks. Seriously. I love shoes but several of my favorite pairs make the balls of my feet feel like someone is sticking 1,000 pins in me.

I wore my favorite pair of boots yesterday and it was a HUGE mistake. I ended up doing a lot more walking and standing than I anticipated. We were wrapping gifts for our adopted families. Lots of moving around, standing for a long period of time. *sigh*

Then I HAD to go to Walgreens last night and get my free makeup and things. By the time I left the store I was seriously limping.

And I will wear the damn things again. Because they are so frickin' adorable. They're granny-esque and I love that style. I need to find a pair that aren't so high healed apparently.

Oh...and enjoy this survey.

Did You Miss Your Gay Today?

It's Day Without a Gay day.

Has it impacted your life?

Gotta tell ya ... didn't even notice. But anyone who didn't come in to work today now is gay in my mind. *grin* Except the lady on maternity leave. She's exempt.

What a stupid and pathetic thing. Apparently "teh gays" are not calling in sick today...they're calling in gay.

*insert blank look here*

If I owned a company and someone didn't show up for work because they were "gay" I'd fire their asses.

NOT because they are gay. I don't give a rat's behind. But because they skipped work ... not being sick or taking a vacation day. It's the same thing when the idiot "immigrants" took a day off to protest. I'd be firing some asses.

And I've got to say...I'm guessing it's not really going to have a huge impact on any businesses. Unless every single worker is gay.

*shrug*

The Bus Rolls Over Another One

Looks like The One knew better than to accept Blagojevich's bribery scheme for senate seat placement. I'm glad of that really ... whether because of principles (yeah right) or because he didn't want to get caught in a scandal before even taking office The One said he'd offer gratitude and nothing more.

This governor is a scum ball of the highest order. I know that most politicians are corrupt in some way but this guy really takes the cake ... almost literally.

"Mike Jacobs, a Democratic state senator and former friend of the governor, suggested that Mr. Blagojevich may have lost his grip on reality.“I’m not sure he’s playing with a full deck anymore,” Mr. Jacobs said. “I think he brought a lot of this on himself. He’s so gifted, but so flawed in a number of fundamental areas. It’s like he dared the feds to come get him.”"

hahahahahahaha I'm sorry but that "not playing with a full deck" thing is funny. Doesn't it describe most of those who run for a public office? You have to be a little 'off' to want that kind of position.

And gifted? Maybe. I don't know. But he sure wanted gifts. Isn't that how politics works in Illinois? I'm sure we're just more subtle here in the Queen's state of Washington.

His approval rating is worse than President Bush's at 13%. Good job Guvna. And does this sound like someone recently elected to the highest office in the land?

"Undistinguished as a lawmaker but with proven likability in and out of Chicago, he seemed hellbent on pushing reform and cleaning house in a state with an embarrassingly overt culture of political corruption. Running on a do-good theme as a candidate of change, he swept into the governor’s office earlier this decade mainly on promises that he would be different..."

Heh...not much experience but likeable and pushing change. Where have we seen that message? I wonder if The One borrowed this campaign promise.

I'm glad The One is distancing himself from this slime ball. But it does raise the issue, once again, of guilt by association. Doesn't anyone else find all of these associates of The One slimey, corrupt, rascist, or vile? What does that say about him? Where is his judgment?

Wait...A Corrupt Chicago Politician?

Say it ain't so! My whole world view is shaken.

Oh wait...no it isn't. A Chicago politician arrested for corruption...the story shocks me about as much as the announcement that "water is wet."

"Blagojevich and Harris, along with others, obtained and sought to gain financial benefits for the governor, members of his family and his campaign fund in exchange for appointments to state boards and commissions, state jobs and state contracts, according to the charges."

You mean politicians are trying to get special favors in Illinois? That just cannot be true. After all this is where the "ONE" is from and he is, after all, all about the Hope/Change.

Is this the kind of Change he meant?

The Girl Effect

Okay...this is a little preachy and borders on hysterical but the deeper message is true.




Right...the world won't be saved. That's just dumb.

However ... it DOES start with an individual (girl or guy) who has a chance and innovates and starts a business. PROFITS. It seems like a dirty word sometimes but they matter. And they can change lives and families and towns.

Business, hard work, individual innovation. All these things matter more than any government program or handout.

Remembering Genocide 75 Years Later

It's much more politically correct to honor those killed by Nazi Germany. I don't know why this is.

Stalin and his Commie buddies killed even more people and in the Ukraine deliberately initiated a starvation genocide that is estimated to have killed between 6 and 10 million individuals.

Today is the 75th anniversary of "Holodomor" ... the beginning of this deliberate starvation. I'm 25% Ukrainian but I think my great-grandmother and grandfather were already in the U.S. in the early 1930s. They had to be because my grandmother was here during that time and she remembers the Great Depression in the U.S. But I'm sure that they had relatives back in the Ukraine ... I wonder how many of my relatives were murdered.

A huge thank you goes to propagandist and Pulitzer Prize-winner Walter Duranty - a New York Times correspondent who wrote in glowing terms about the Soviet "experiment." No problems here. Everything is hunky dory. Move along now. (I'm reading The Forgotten Man and I'm shocked by how many people thought America should model itself after Stalin and Mussolini's governments...truly shocked.)

Ah, how easy it is to revise history and cover up the ugliness. It's much less messy than acknowledging the terror caused by Communism.

"The partial opening of Soviet archives soon confirmed the extent to which Stalin and his henchmen knowingly used hunger to punish resistance and beat the peasantry into submission. Among the finds was a direct order by Stalin to cordon off starving villages and intercept peasants trying to flee in search of food."

Is it worse or better than the Nazi genocide of the Jews? I say neither. They are equally horrific and equally man made.

"It is generally believed that about half of the victims were in Ukraine and the predominantly Ukrainian-populated Russian region of Kuban. The millions of others who perished included Russian peasants and close to a third of the population of Kazakhstan. There is also no doubt that the famine was man-made. "

Those who deny history also deny the future capability of evil ideas to cause human suffering.

"Recent articles detailing the Soviet regime's war on the peasantry, based on Soviet archives, describe a living hell: government agents going door to door confiscating food; families in recalcitrant villages forced out of their homes and left to freeze; men and women tortured to make them reveal hidden stockpiles of food; widespread cannibalism. These horrors were by no means limited to Ukraine. It is nonetheless true that Stalin's fateful decision to blockade famine-stricken areas, issued in January 1933, was initially directed at Ukraine and Kuban."

Putin's Russia works hard to deny the genocidal aspects of the Soviet area forced starvation, except when convenient.

"...the Russians do not deny that millions of people were deliberately starved to death during the collectivization campaign. Instead, they focus on denying the "genocide" charge..."it seems that the only time Russia's government remembers the Russian victims of the Terror-Famine is when it needs them to counter Ukrainian claims [of genocide].""

Regardless of what we call it ... millions were murdered through the actions of the State. We should always fear the actions of the State ... especially when they say they are acting in our "best interests."

I Cannot Be Guilted Into Anything

Trying to guilt me into something never works. My mom tried it for years. Hubby has tried it. It really just makes me want to do the exact opposite of whatever the guilter-er wants.

So when I hear a commercial on the radio telling me to buy American because it's just the right thing to do I get a little annoyed. I'm not going to buy American if the product sucks. I prefer buying American but I also prefer a quality product.

A local car dealership has an ad that tries telling me that it is my duty to save them by buying their GM/Ford/whatever U.S. cars. They say something about "those buying because they can and those who are buying because they want to" ... huh? Shouldn't those two things be the same? If I want to I should be able to? Or is that too logical?

I just hate the ad every time it comes on. I drive a Toyota Rav4 and I absolutely love it. It's the perfect car for me and I'll have it paid off in less than 2 months. I plan to drive it until it dies and that shouldn't be for another good 10 years.

Our Ford F150 on the other hand I expect to die much sooner. Although so far so good.

Maybe if Detroit wasn't such a mess they would have focused on building ... you know ... GOOD CARS in the last few decades.

Who the Hell do They Think They Are???

So a company lays off a bunch of workers and they refuse to leave - staging a sit in. Shockingly, they are also union workers.

"About 200 employees have been staging the sit-in in shifts since Friday, the last scheduled day of the plant's operation. On Saturday, about 50 workers could be seen through a window sitting on chairs and pallets on the factory floor."

What do they want, a pat on the back? Obama apparently thinks so, since he's siding with them. What a shock right?

"Employees there were laid off abruptly last week and have occupied the factory, saying they won't leave until they get the severance and vacation pay they say they're owed."

These people need to get a life and move on. The world doesn't revolve around them and companies have the right to lay people off. If the company is going under what makes them think there is any money left to "give them what they're owed" ... and besides that, they aren't owed anything. This idea of "gimme" just permeates everywhere.

Oh but they aren't just blaming the company. They're also blaming Bank of America, which got a piece of the federal bailout and apparently the ex-workers think this requires them to help out. Huh? What kind of logic is that?

"United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers officials say the company’s $5 million line of credit was originally opened with LaSalle Bank, which was bought out by Bank of America last year. Bank of America received $25 billion in federal bailout cash, which Republic workers say obliges it to support the company."

Riiiggghhhtttt...

These spoiled ass union members can kiss my big butt. People are getting laid off at my company...and they don't get to hang around for 60 days afterward. One of my friends just found out on Friday ... she is now cleaning her desk. She couldn't even talk to me because she started crying. She's been here for over 20 years!

I have no sympathy for the whiny babies demanding benefits from a company that is going under. Tough shit. Life isn't fair (as my liberal mom told me my whole life). Stand up. Get out there and start looking for a new job. If one isn't in the area. Move.

And a Survey!



UPDATE: Via Pamibe... Yes, let's punish a private business (Bank of American) for choosing who they do business with. That's the ticket! Morons.

It's Hard Work But Rewarding

I'd like to share two photos of my baby boy Trooper Bear at an agility practice.


This first one is Trooper doing the weave poles. It took a long time to get him to go through these on command and he still sometimes misses a pole. And I still have to work on getting him to go through them without me right next to him. See him looking up? He's looking at me, his mama, looking for direction. I'm so proud!


This second one cracks me up. He just started doing this ... laying down at the end of the "walk it" plank. He's supposed to go to the end, keep his back legs on the board and his front paws on the ground. He's so huge that his butt hangs off the edges. hahahaha

That's my boy!

Bunch of Filthy Hypocrites

If they were really concerned about getting us out of Iraq they would be slamming Obama hard now that he's changing his tune.

But the mainstream liberal media doesn't really care about principles. Obama is the golden boy and therefore can do no wrong. Whatever he says they just nod along like bobble head dolls.

'Oh now we aren't going to pull out his first day in office...oh okay...whatever you say Mr Messiah.'

Barf.

As Jame Taranto of the WSJ points out...

"...it is especially repugnant to seek political gain by promising to lose a war, it is also common for presidential candidates to make unrealistic promises, especially on foreign policy, and disregard them once elected...."

I'm glad he's not making good on his promise to lose the war (at least not now that we are so clearly winning). It's just disgusting to see the sycophants kissing his mind changing ass.

My State is Insane

I don't understand something.

If Atheism is the belief in nothing then why are should they be allowed to post hateful signs against a Nativity scene at the state capital? I mean, they aren't celebrating anything. Christmas has nothing to do with any sort of atheist celebration (is there such a thing?).

If some Wiccans or Pagans wanted to put up a Winter Solstice celebration scene I'd be ambivalent about it.

But our governor, in all her wisdom (hahahaha), decided to let these assholes post a sign that says in part...

"There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."

Huh?

The guy in charge of this Atheist protest says that he just wants their place at the table. WHY? The "winter" season has nothing at all to do with Atheism. Christmas? Yes. Hanukkah? Yes. Ramadan? Sometimes...that one seems to move around. Even the stupid cult holiday of Kwanza has more legitimacy than this stunt.

This is not about freedom of speech. No one is asking for them to be "silenced" but the decision to allow their hate filled anti-religion sign is yet another war on Christmas act. It defies logic. Which is what government is good at I suppose.

Bill O'Reilly talked about it on his show last night (not that I watch it ... hubby told me and they talked about it on the radio this morning) and even gave out the governor's phone number, which I thought was hilarious.

I hope they take the sign down. It's disgraceful and distracting in this season ... which is supposed to be about helping others, celebrating the birth of Christ, and Santa. =)

Not All is Lost

There are truly angels among us.

My company sponsors families every year for the Christmas season...usually through the Salvation Army. Every floor (we have 12 floors) sort of does their own thing and our floor decided to adopt two families through two different organizations.

We didn't expect a lot. We know the economy blows and that our company is talking about layoffs. We were hoping to get the basics covered at the very least. And hoping for a few special treats if possible.

Some of the "dream gifts" from the families include a Nintendo DS and Wii system. Which are huge and we had no thought of actually purchasing.

Just a few minutes ago I ran into one of our associates in the kitchen and he asked us to calculate how much it would cost to get the rest of the items and let him know. He's going to write a check or get us cash for the amount.

*tears in my eyes*

With everything going on ... as hard as our particular environment is ... people are pulling together to provide for others. I know how generous our company is and how wonderful the people here are but sometimes I forget.

I can't wait to play Santa and deliver all the gifts to "my" assigned organization. They're always overwhelmed when I pull up with my full car. It's SO freaking rewarding.

I love this time of year. =)

Free for All?

Can someone please explain this to me?

Why does the government need to mandate free broadband? What business is it of the gov'mnt if some folks don't have broadband? Private companies have been working to upgrade people to broadband for years now. And some people have chosen to keep their dial up because it's cheaper.

I understand government involvement in some things like roads and electricity, but I will never understand the government reach into things like this.

Who will pay for the "free" broadband? Why...the taxpayer of course. Well, the 50% of us who actually pay taxes.

And if the government controls this "free" broadband access they can then take it away, right?

I think the plan stinks.

Laugh Until You Cry

Dave Barry is hilarious and his Holiday Gift Guide actually made me laugh until I had tears in my eyes. At work. Not the best use of my time, I know. But it's still early and no one is here yet.

Via Instapundit.

Maybe the Labor Unions Should Just STFU

Vallejo California is petitioning the courts to void the collective bargaining agreement that straps them with overwhelming pension promises. Of course, the unions are peeing their pants with worry.

"With the downturn in the housing market hammering revenues, Vallejo is asking the bankruptcy judge to void the collective-bargaining agreements that led to those salary and benefit arrangements. And the possibility of hard-fought union contracts going up in smoke has struck fear in the heart of labor groups.

The California Professional Firefighters union proclaims, "If allowed to stand, Vallejo's attack on its own employees would send shock waves throughout the labor movement." Gloster, the attorney representing Vallejo's firefighters and police officers, says..."

Maybe the unions should have thought about not biting the hand that feeds them by strapping them with outrageous benefit payments.

We had a bit to do with Boeing here a little while ago. Instead of thanking God that they have jobs, the union was bitching and moaning about their health care. Good gravy. Their 40 something day strike put Boeing more behind on orders and caused serious damage to the company. Do they not see the counterproductive nature of their actions!!??

I honestly just do not get it. I'm just thankful to still have a job (for now).

I Love the Military ... but ...

... I'm not sure how I feel about this.

As much as I love all the armed services, and love seeing them around in their uniforms on their way home (I live near a base), I'm not so sure I love the idea of the military being involved in more domestic duties.

"There are critics of the change, in the military and among civil liberties groups and libertarians who express concern that the new homeland emphasis threatens to strain the military and possibly undermine the Posse Comitatus Act, a 130-year-old federal law restricting the military's role in domestic law enforcement."

Then again, they're already involved in things when we have natural disasters so I'm not sure we'd even notice. And if there was some huge catastrophic event I'm guessing we'd want extra help securing the peace. Sure and hell my hubby and his folks can't do it all themselves. As good as they are. :)

"If funding continues, two additional teams will join nearly 80 smaller National Guard and reserve units made up of about 6,000 troops in supporting local and state officials nationwide. All would be trained to respond to a domestic chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield explosive attack, or CBRNE event, as the military calls it."

I guess it does make sense for the military to be involved in such major events.

End of Life Care - Survey

An interesting new survey at dNeero. This is one subject that has come up within my family. When my grandmother was alive she was always sick. She was a hypochondriac. But being a hypochondriac doesn't mean that you don't or won't really get sick. Toward the end she landed in the hospital and we thought she was a gonner. The hospital emergency staff thought she was dead when she came in - her heart rate was that low.

My mom, grandfather, and uncle were talking about whether to keep her on the external pace maker or remove it. I was horrified. This was my grandmother they were talking about. I was a mess and had no idea whether or not grandma would make it through the night.

She was a tough ol bird and pulled through but really started going down hill faster after that. When she finally left us it was almost a relief. Almost.

I don't think I could have made the decision to pull the plug. I believe in miracles and after her big scare she still lived more than a year. Was it a quality life? It wasn't the same quality she used to have...but then again while at home she slept most of the time anyway. So it wasn't really all that different when she was in the nursing home. She slept. And slept. She'd wake up when guests visited and we had some really great conversations...reminiscing about old days. I would not have had those memories if they'd pulled the plug.

If I had a life ending disease I would not want anyone to give up on me. There are always miracles. People in comas for 20 years wake up. People with cancer eating away at them can be cured. As long as I have breath I will have hope. So to me it is just wrong to end your life earlier than God intended.

I say that even as I know how painful the end of life can be. My father died of cancer when I was 8 and the last week of his life was a morphine filled time. I'm sure he ultimately did kill himself through the use of the morphine. His pain was great and unending. It's my understanding that the hospital staff took away the barrier to how much he could get and I'm glad for that. But I still don't think that the doctors should have had the right to inject him with a final lethal dose. A doctor is supposed to do no harm and I can't think of anything more harmful than causing death.



It's not an easy or black/white issue for sure.