What's Your Resolution?

I avoid making New Year's resolutions. I rarely keep them. Last year I actually stuck with my resolution to not eat chocolate for a couple of months. But once I got pregnant I gave up (until I found out I had gestational diabetes...but that's another issue).

I like the idea from this article about not procrastinating when it comes to having fun or enjoyment in life. Don't postpone life.

This means a lot to me as we have had six officers killed in less than 3 months here in Washington State. I want to make as many memories with my husband and son as we can possibly have. Even the simple memories of just reading a book together.

My goal for the New Year is to study hard and pass my insurance license test so I can start a new career that will allow me to live life for my family and myself instead of for an office and corporation.

What is your goal?

Have a very Happy New Year!!!

Let's Not Get Paranoid

Some people give conservatives and libertarians a bad name. I don't want to be associated with the likes of "Survival Seed Bank" ... people trying to fan paranoia in order to make a buck (specifically $149 bucks!). These are probably the same people who made a big deal out of the year 2000 - also to make a buck.

I have no problem with people wanting to be prepared for a disaster or emergency. That is smart. But stocking "non-hybrid" seeds in order to plant an acre "Crisis garden" is insane. No way are these seeds going to be worth more than gold or silver anytime in the near or far future (and yes, that is what the commercial tries to say!). Genetically modified seeds aren't harmful or scary...they've actually saved millions of lives with their disease resistance and ability to survive in less than ideal conditions.

It bugs the hell out of me that this commercial is even on the radio station. It's nothing more than fear mongering and playing on the bad economy and unstable politics.

Sadly, my own hubby gets sucked into this paranoia sometimes...and I have to pull him back to reality. Listening to Beck can make anyone think the world is ending. I prefer Medved who has a much more positive outlook.

This country has gone through a LOT. We've survived a horrible bloody civil war. We've gone through two World Wars. We will survive Obama. We might be a little beaten up but we will survive. I do not think that elections will be suspended (remember how stupid people sounded when they claimed that Bush was going to be a dictator? It sounds just as stupid to claim Obama will do the same) or martial law is coming.

Don't get me wrong...I'm vehemently opposed to The One and all his socialist, power grabbing policies and actions. I just don't think I need to get into a bunker...not yet.

Where's All This Transparency He Promised?

I'm not one of those folks who thinks every single move the government makes should be made public. There ARE national security risks involved and I don't need to know every move the CIA makes.

But damn... The One seems to just talk out of his ass. He campaigns on open government and transparency and then signs an executive order in December, clearly trying to be all nonchalant and quiet about it.

If Bush had signed this same Executive Order the press would have screamed to high heaven within 24 hours. It's been almost two weeks and most people haven't even heard of Executive Order 12425. Have you?

I read about it yesterday from a link on Instapundit, and then heard a bit more about it from a caller into Beck's program this morning (not my favorite show, but there's a sub in this week who is pretty good).

Can you even IMAGINE if Bush had let non US police agencies have this kind of authority and power in our country??? The left would be screaming and wetting themselves over the "police state" we were turning into.

As explained by Noisy Room...emphasis is mine.

"This now says that Interpol is no longer subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Their premises or staff can no longer be searched either. Their files are not subject to legal subpoena or discovery. Our government could just hand documents and files over to Interpol and Americans would no longer have access to them. Interpol can legally keep files now on all citizens of the US with no right to redress.

In reality, we have just handed over our sovereignty. Interpol headquarters in the US is currently headquartered in the Department of Justice. A ‘separate’ Interpol agency has been created in the DOJ – let that sink in for a moment. Interpol has been granted diplomatic immunity now by Obama – they have exemption from being subject to search and seizure by law enforcement, US taxes and immunity from FOIA requests, etc. This action could also be used to divulge American military secrets and a whole host of horrific practices having to do with going after our military. It’s the road to internationalism on steroids."

But go read the rest of the post...it just gets scarier.

Is this REALLY what you want from your government?

Paradise?

Found via Artists & Crafters Supply Community blog. Flippin' genius! I think it's even more clear than the parable about the men of different income levels who split the check at a restaurant.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had once failed an entire class.

That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan".

All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A.

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B.
The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.

As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.

The second test average was a D! No one was happy.

When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.

The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.

All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.

Could not be any simpler than that. (Please pass this on)

Too Good Not to Share

Mark Stein is so good with words. I could copy and paste his entire article, but go read it yourself...you won't be sorry.

Some of my favorites though...

"...The monsterous mountain of toxic pustules sprouting from greasy boils metastisizing from malign carbuncles ..."

That's how he described the "health care" "reform" bill that got shoved down our throats on Christmas Eve. A fitting and accurate portrayal if you ask me.

Oh but there's so much more...

"We were told we had to do it because of the however many millions of uninsured, yet this bill will leave some 25 million Americans uninsured...

...on the other other other other hand, if you're already enjoying government health care, well, you're 83 years old and, let's face it, it's hardly worth us giving you that surgery for the minimal contribution you make to society, so in the cause of extending government health care to millions of people who don't currently get it we're going to ration it for those currently entitled to it."

And don't be naive in thinking that it won't happen exactly like that, regardless of what the so called compassionate and caring Democrats say. They can call it anything they want, but rationing will be the reality and those deemed less important to society (of course, they won't put it that way) will be the first cut off.

"...even before it's up-and-running, Pelosi-Reid-Obamacare is an imprenetrable thicket of contradictory boondoggles, shameless payoffs, and arbitrary shakedowns."

And what pisses me off the most...

"...because it inserts the power of the state between you and your doctor, and in effect assumes jurisdiction over your body."

Whatever happened to "keep your laws off my body"?????

Merry Christmas

To you and yours...a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Well, Merry F'in Christmas

That appears to be the message from Congress. We can all go F ourselves and our freedom to choose. I thought they promoted freedom of choice? And doing it sneakily in the wee hours in the Senate and on Christmas Eve in the house...bunch of filthy cowards. The Dems can try to blame this one on the GOP but they are on their own...looks like every single one of the Republicans voted no. Which didn't do a bit of good, but at least they stood their ground...for once. Maybe if they'd kept up with their so called beliefs in the first place the Dems wouldn't have such a majority. But that's history and we have to look to the future.

If this monstrosity of a plan interferes in any way with me making a career change I'm going to be seriously and absolutely pissed off. I want to stay home with my son and I *think* I've found a way to make that work and still earn a living...a good living if I want to work hard and an okay living if I want to just do it part time. But it involves the health insurance industry ... nice, right? It's not health insurance exactly, but it's along those lines and works with health insurance. It's a fantastic product that I've had for eight years and I'm sure most of you would recognize (though I'm not going to mention it specifically yet...I still have to go through my testing and training...and I'm still working at my old job).

Oh, and if my MIL loses ANY of her coverage with Medicare (or Medicaid...not sure which she is on) I am going to lose my shit. She has been so strong and fought so wonderfully against this monster of Leukemia...and her coverage has truly been a blessing for all of us. I hate government being involved in things, but she is one who actually needs the coverage. I guess if she gets hit again with any illness the government will say she's SOL...seeing as how she's almost 70. She's lived a good life. *insert outrage here*

Hubby has been asking if we can sue the government if we are "required" to purchase health insurance. I said no because we can't afford it...but can we afford not to. If someone is going to sue them we're sure going to support them though.

Teaching

My two little cousins have been staying with me for a few days. Yesterday we went to do some fun Christmas errands and I kept my radio station tuned to Rush and Medved. The oldest is 14 going on 30 and she asked what they were talking about so I tried to not be too super political and explain the travesty of a health care bill.

My favorite portion of the explanation was telling her that they were going to tax tanning salons to help pay for this crap. The look of horror on her face was classic. She goes to those places and her response was ... "Isn't that going to make it more expensive for me?"

BINGO! She got it. Taxes are just taxes on some anonymous business that doesn't affect anyone else. Those taxes get passed on to the consumer. And she understands that it isn't just tanning beds.

She wants to be a nurse and someday an anesthesiologist in plastic surgery. I told her that was pretty smart because she'd make a lot more money with elective health care (as long as the government doesn't add it to the list of entitlements) than general practice where her salary will be limited to what the government declares is "fair".

She's a smart cookie. Too bad she's already in huge debt and going to be taxed beyond her comprehension.

WHY??????

It's hard for me to get outraged over the health "care" fiasco going on in DC when there are more assholes ambushing and trying to kill our officers here in Washington State. I'm sure there will be more copy cat events.

Hubby has been off all month and I thank God for that.

My aunt called me last night at 10:30 to tell us this had happened near her home. Her best friend's husband is a Deputy. Thankfully he was not working, but of course he knew those involved in this ambush. Thankfully the jerk off who ambushed these officers is now dead. I hop he is burning in hell.

I really don't get it. Our officers are here to protect and serve. No, they aren't always perfect - hubby has had complaints that he's rude and he's worked on that and gotten better. But I don't care how rude he is if it brings him home safe to us.

Police officers are PEOPLE. They have fears and dreams just like everyone else. How have people fallen so low as to forget this and want to purposely take their lives.

My heart breaks.

RWW

I just learned a new phrase. Racist While White or RWW.

heh.

Via Instapundit, I've discovered a great new blog - Baldilocks. She asked a wonderful and thought provoking question to her Caucasian...er...white readers.

I know that I'm not a racist...

"Racism: The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or
ability and that particular race is superior to others."

Nope...that does not describe me.

There are some small minded, bigoted people out there who use the slander of calling someone a racist as their way of arguing.

Besides, I thought once "The One" was elected all racism would be gone from the world. Heh. I'm sure that comment makes me a racist somehow.

It Seemed Like a Good Idea

Several years ago (so far back I can't remember exactly when...but I was in my early 20s) I participated on a panel for our local electric utility company. The goal was to figure out how to explain and advertise a new billing program. (Plus I got some free lightbulbs!)

In my mind, it seemed like a great idea. You paid different rates based on WHEN you used power. So if I needed to run the dish washer it would be cheaper for me to do so after 5 p.m. and even cheaper after 8 p.m. during off peak hours.

Not only could it decrease your cost of electricity it would take strain off of the 'grid' during peak hours if people shifted their use.

Unfortunately, there were too many bleeding hearts on the panel who thought it wasn't "fair" to everyone. The highest cost would be the same for everyone and then if you adjusted your usage it would go down from there. But these whiners came up with all kinds of possible exceptions that could potentially be treated unfairly by this change in billing - People with special needs who had to use electricity all day, poor people, the elderly. Bla bla bla. None of their bills would actually go up, but since they might not be able to benefit from the lower rates it wasn't fair. It was incredibly frustrating and ultimately their complaints won out and the program got scrapped.

So everyone pays more so that it can be "fair" to everyone (gee, what does that sound like?). Those who may have been "harmed" (using that word loosely here) don't get the choice of lower rates, and neither does anyone else.

It looks like another company is at least trying to move forward with a similar idea by installing Smart Meters to monitor usage. I'm not so sure I love this idea entirely, especially the control they'd have from some main center to turn power on and off, but it's not a bad idea to let people know exactly how much power they are using.

If a utility decides to shut off a customer for nonpayment, it can do so by remote control; if the customer pays enough money to allow resumption of service, the utility can also do that from a central office without sending out a representative.

I'm torn on the whole shutting people's power off power...but in general if you don't pay you shouldn't get a service and power is no exception. And I like the fact that these smart meters can tell the company instantly that someone's power has gone out (which ours has twice in the past three weeks).

The long-term impact of the smart meters is uncertain. Some studies show that people use less electricity when they can see the numbers ticking higher on the meter.

Aside from the concern over 'big brother' type monitoring, I really like the idea behind smart meters. Being able to monitor my power usage and adjusting it to pay less is a very appealing idea. Knowledge is power after all. :)

It's For Your Own Good

Don't you peons know? The government is here to help you, take care of you, and see to it that your basic needs are met.

Of course, they're the ones who will define basic needs and if that doesn't include a life saving operation or preventative care ... well, after all, they know best.

All you women who think that getting a mammogram is important...well, you just don't understand. But don't worry. A government worker will explain it to you and then deny your coverage. Or if your doctor wants you to get a CT scan, "they" will deny it because it could increase your risk of cancer.

After all, there is a government task force that will decide what we need and don't need. Who are we to question them?

The goal won't be to save lives. It will be to (supposedly) save money...even though that won't really happen either because of all the fraud and waste that will occur at an even higher level than it currently does.

I'm truly scared that if this insane and horrifying piece of health "care" legislation passes that this country will go down a path that it can never recover from...and it will be a seriously scary and deadly place.

Sure, everyone will be "covered"...but nothing is ever truly free. And while you're "covered" for something you may just die waiting for treatment in the new government controlled system. Because we know how efficient the government is.

He's Apparently Grading on a Curve

Did you hear that The One gave himself and his presidency a B+ during an interview with the other O?

Wow...and he said it'd be an A- if health care reform was passed.

"...he gives himself a "good, solid B-plus" for his first 11 months in the Oval Office...."

WOW.

That's some pretty easy grading if you ask me. He hasn't accomplished one damn thing except empty "promises" and threats of complete economic takeover by the government. Oh, okay, well maybe if you consider the takeover of GM and other sectors of our economy as accomplishments then he's achieved something. Just not something good.

I'd give him a D...a D+ if I were feeling generous. (And apparently I'm not the only one...there's a poll on the article site and most folks are giving him an F.)

This guy has such an ego! It's incredible. It would be funny if he weren't in such a high position of power...the most "powerful" man in the world. It's frightening!

Seperate but Equal Gift Guides

Unbelievable. And quite disturbing.

So, it's okay to have seperate but equal things if those things are liberal, right? Apparently the NYT thinks so as they have created a "special" gift guide for those people of color (I thought referring to folks "of color" was offensive).

Just wow.

So, where is the gift guide for people who lack skin pigmentation? And what would be on it?

I think they left some things off of their official Person's of Color gift guide though. I mean...if you're going to focus on "colored" folk then includes more than just the libs, right?

Bobby Jindal counts as successful and his skin is sure darker than mine. But as a conservative he isn't really "of color" according to the NYT.

He's not necessarily a conservative, but he is hilarious and while his skin color is of "color" he is apparently treated as though he isn't a "real" black man. I heard him interviewed...I think on Michael Medved's show, but it could have been somewhere else.

And of course they couldn't include a conservative black man who made it all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States, long before "the One" became President. Because after all, conservative views aren't really "black".

The whole thing makes me sick. Why would any of my black or "Latina" friends be less interested in what I'm interested in? We aren't defined by our skin color but by our character and our shared interests. I don't shop for my coworker who is from Colombia any differently than I do for the one from Canada.

It's just one more example of the left's true hypocrasy when it comes to race.

*And yes, each of those Amazon links is an affiliate link...'cause I want to stay home with my son and have to earn money somewhere. :)

Once I Decide

When I make up my mind to do something I generally like to do it right away. Unfortunately, not all decisions can be implemented immediately no matter how much I wish they could be. This is one of those times.

Vague right? I know...I still need to hash out some things. I'm very impatient though. =)

Nine Days Ago

Only nine short days ago, a monster ruthlessly snuffed out the lives of four human beings. Humans with families, friends, and lives beyond their jobs.

Today those officers will be honored at the largest law enforcement funeral held in our state. Hubby is attending with one of his coworkers. I think it starts at 1 p.m. but they are aiming to get there at 11 a.m. to join the officer procession.

On my way to work at 7 a.m. I counted at least 34 cars with their lights going and a fire truck on their way to join the procession. Then the local mall had a memorial message up on their reader board thing and I almost lost it.

I pray that all the officers attending today are safe and that no other monster tries to use this as an opportunity for their own evil doings. That's my biggest fear today...that some other psycho will take more lives. They are estimating at least 20,000 in attendance.

From my office building I can see the Tacoma Dome where the funeral is being held. It's also going to be televised and there are satellite locations for people to gather and watch on big screen TVs.

If you'd like to offer a donation, no matter how big or small, to the families of these four fallen heroes, please visit the Lakewood Police Independent Guild website where there is a donation link. Nine children lost a parent nine days ago. I know what that feels like, even though my father was not taken violently. These families will never be the same.

Patience is the Key Word

I was quite surprised at how busy Target was on Sunday afternoon. It was busier than Black Friday when we were there. I found some great deals, including two big gifts I bought on behalf of my MIL and SIL for other family members.

My order was huge...and then I had more than $50 in coupons. :) Yes, I am totally OCD on coupons. Anyhoo...I'm in line and I noticed someone behind me with fewer items so I let them go first. No biggy. I knew I was going to take awhile.

So I get up for my turn and the cashier is super nice and she is ringing up my order...and I notice the lady behind me was a little ... shall we say impatient?

It was taking a awhile, I admit, but it's the Christmas season and every line was full and busy. I was nearly done, and the cashier was just finishing with ringing up my coupons so I could pay, and the lady got herself in a tizzy, took her items off the thingy (my mind is blanking on what you call the thing that moves the merchandise to the checker...sheesh) back into her cart and took off to another line. It was pretty funny to me and the lady behind her. She had waited all that time and it was only going to be another couple minutes at the most. Worked out great for the lady behind her who hardly had to wait at all.

Patience people! No one should go out this time of year and expect to get through checkout lines quickly. Or find a good parking space.

Ouchie

Poor little boy got his two month shots yesterday. :( Boy did his face get all red when he screamed bloody murder. I've never seen him so red before. It was almost cute. lol

The appointment was interesting. Our doctor was very specific in explaining all the vaccinations he was going to receive. I remember getting my vaccines as a young girl (and teen) and there was no discussion. She seemed to think we were going to argue with her about having Marshal vaccinated.

I've thought about it, but I think it's more important for him to be protected against horrible things like Polio and Whooping Cough than risk those diseases on the astronomical chance of a bad reaction. I've never had any bad reactions to vaccines and neither has hubby. And so far he seems okay, other than a little fussier than normal.

It's people who don't vaccinate their children who are helping all these horrible diseases make a come back. Jenny McCarthy needs to shut her trap about things she doesn't understand. She's an actress, not a doctor or scientist.

Then again, I'm not all that fond of all vaccines - like the flu vaccine. I did NOT want to get it, but I did because we have an infant. Plus, kids are more vulnerable this season. It didn't hurt me a bit (so far).

I wouldn't want to force people to get vaccines...I just wish the standard vaccines weren't bashed by stupid celebrities. If it weren't for vaccines we would still have Polio!

Now I Remember

Driving home last night I remembered why I hated commuting. People are insane when they drive!!! Tailgating and speeding, swerving between lanes with no blinkers...I actually honked at one jerk who nearly rear ended me as he swerved around me into another lane. He came *that* close.

Not to mention traffic, which was worse last night than the night before. I just want to get home as quickly as possible to see my baby and I'm going 20 mph on the freeway.

I am getting more into the swing of things at work and actually got quite a bit accomplished so far. And I even got an idea yesterday for a new job that would be super flexible and allow me to stay home if I do end up not working here once the company moves. I won't mention it yet but I would be really excited to work for this particular company. :)

Yes They Deserve to Die and I Hope They Burn in Hell!

I'm not sure what movie that's from but I'm pretty sure it was Samuel L Jackson who said it. And right now it applies to the ass who murdered four of our brave law enforcement community.

God Bless the Seattle officer who took him out this morning.

And those who were helping this bastard evade capture need to rot in a jail cell for many years to come.