At this time in my childhood until the age of 13, I was in a light blue house with white shutters off a red dirt road in Mobile, Alabama. I was with my biological father, my stepmother Gina, and my brother and sister Justin and Jenna. I had only been there 6 days and 5 nights, and I was leaving in two short days. Then, I would be in a red and brown brick house, on a paved road, in Plano, TX. I would be with my Mom, the only DAD that I now know, and my brother and sister Trevor and Bethany.
This was my childhood, this was my normal.
The day after Christmas I did not see friends and share toys with my siblings. The day after Christmas I said goodbye to my family I had spent every moment with the last six months, and flew to the home of "my family" I hardly knew. Calling a man Dad who frightened me slightly, and commanded I say "yes sir" and "no ma'am" in military fashion, and hugging a brother and sister I hardly knew. There I had another Christmas, but I was the unwilling star. I was the only one with presents left from Santa, and everyone wanted to see "how much I'd grown." This "side's" grandparents rushed over, neighbors stopped by, all for the "Julie Show."
I just wanted my Mom.
New Years Day, my last day on that red dirt road, I am mixed with emotions of guilt - because I want to see my Mom, sadness - because I must leave this other family, and confusion- because I don't know what emotions its ok for me to show which "side".
These days still have a place in my head. It has been 14 years since the other "side" ceased to exist in my world(not by my choice, but their own). Yet December 26-January 2nd, and June 10 through July 21st, still send a strange feeling to my heart.
Do not misunderstand, I am thankful everyday that my parents divorced when I was a baby. My birth father was a controlling man, and the man my Mom is with now, who IS my Dad is amazing, he and my Mom are wonderful parents. But those memories, those feelings of obligation, of guilt and of confusion, they don't go away, they just get buried in the business of every day life.
14 years ago was the last time this little girl was on that red dirt road, and all she wanted was to go home.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Whats the basis?
What is the basis for the love stories? The romance novels? The stereotypical "chick flick"?
Does such a love exist? Can you really lock eyes with someone and feel that instant mutual attraction? Is it possible to spend a day with someone and each tell your respective friends that is the man/woman you are going to marry?
What is the basis for fairy tales? A true love unrequited, or just a hope and wish for something more?
Does such a love exist? Can you really lock eyes with someone and feel that instant mutual attraction? Is it possible to spend a day with someone and each tell your respective friends that is the man/woman you are going to marry?
What is the basis for fairy tales? A true love unrequited, or just a hope and wish for something more?
Monday, December 22, 2008
Why isn't now good enough?
Have you ever noticed we are never as happy with ourselves in the present as we are in hindsight?
We constantly look in the mirror and pick apart what we see. I’m too pale, I’m too chunky, my hair is the wrong color, my teeth aren’t white enough. .. Yet, when we look at pictures of ourselves from a few short years ago the response is different. “Man I looked good, I wish I knew how good I looked back then.”Why is it so hard for us to stop and say hey… I look pretty damn good right now, instead of waiting three years to think so?
We consistently talk about "the good ole days", and how we didn't realize what a good thing we had going. We bring up how great was it that our only responsibility was to ride our bikes home before dark, to decide what elective we wanted to take in middle school, or in college to set our alarms for a one pm class. In a few years, I'll probably be saying how I wished I had back the life I had now. Now, I think about how breezy bar hopping with my girlfriends and rolling into my college class in my sweats was "the life."
When does it catch up with us? Why can't we just say THIS, .... THIS is the life. Now. Today.
We constantly look in the mirror and pick apart what we see. I’m too pale, I’m too chunky, my hair is the wrong color, my teeth aren’t white enough. .. Yet, when we look at pictures of ourselves from a few short years ago the response is different. “Man I looked good, I wish I knew how good I looked back then.”Why is it so hard for us to stop and say hey… I look pretty damn good right now, instead of waiting three years to think so?
We consistently talk about "the good ole days", and how we didn't realize what a good thing we had going. We bring up how great was it that our only responsibility was to ride our bikes home before dark, to decide what elective we wanted to take in middle school, or in college to set our alarms for a one pm class. In a few years, I'll probably be saying how I wished I had back the life I had now. Now, I think about how breezy bar hopping with my girlfriends and rolling into my college class in my sweats was "the life."
When does it catch up with us? Why can't we just say THIS, .... THIS is the life. Now. Today.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Just a Moment
I was sitting at home tonight watching "Brothers and Sisters" and I remembered a moment back when I was 20 years old. I unexpectedly woke up in a great deal of pain and had to have emergency surgery.
The moment I remember is being in "pre-op" with my Mom and Dad on either side holding my hands. I recall being in so much pain that even though I was not crying, tears were streaming down my face.
I remember my Dad looking at me and saying
"You know if I could take your pain for you right now I would".
How lucky am I that that man chose to be my Dad.
The moment I remember is being in "pre-op" with my Mom and Dad on either side holding my hands. I recall being in so much pain that even though I was not crying, tears were streaming down my face.
I remember my Dad looking at me and saying
"You know if I could take your pain for you right now I would".
How lucky am I that that man chose to be my Dad.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
At Some Point
At some point; I grew too tired to go out and meet the famous people I used to love, and instead stayed home to cook a three course meal.
At some point; I stopped laying in bed dreaming about how I could become a back up dancer on some singers tour, and instead started dreaming about a new dresser.
At some point; I ceased trying to make everyone like me, and began to like myself.
At some point; I was no longer taking random vacations for fun with friends, and was instead saving for months for an overnight trip to San Antonio.
At some point; I did not have to talk to my parents before every decision I ever made, and took the responsibility upon myself.
At some point; I didn't know where all the drink specials were every night in the week, and became more concerned about the calorie content.
At some point; I stopped looking for a new car, and started enjoying having my older one paid off and running.
At some point; I quit walking so fast, and actually noticed the beauty of the leaves turning.
At some point; I gave up what might of been with old boyfriends, and began to realize what I deserved in a new one.
At some point; I got away from reading all the gossip sites, and started really paying attention to the news.
At some point; I learned instead of telling people what I though, sometimes keeping my mouth shut and complaining later was the best form of action.
At some point; I halted buying everything I wanted at the grocery store, and started buying only the things I needed.
At some point; I realized everyone in my family wasn't going to be around forever, and I started knowing the pain of loss.
At some point; I noticed if I didn't make it to my parents every holiday, life would go on.
At some point; I acknowledged that I had to let go of my childhood dreams.
At some point; I learned you really can't go home again.
At some point, I grew up.
At some point; I stopped laying in bed dreaming about how I could become a back up dancer on some singers tour, and instead started dreaming about a new dresser.
At some point; I ceased trying to make everyone like me, and began to like myself.
At some point; I was no longer taking random vacations for fun with friends, and was instead saving for months for an overnight trip to San Antonio.
At some point; I did not have to talk to my parents before every decision I ever made, and took the responsibility upon myself.
At some point; I didn't know where all the drink specials were every night in the week, and became more concerned about the calorie content.
At some point; I stopped looking for a new car, and started enjoying having my older one paid off and running.
At some point; I quit walking so fast, and actually noticed the beauty of the leaves turning.
At some point; I gave up what might of been with old boyfriends, and began to realize what I deserved in a new one.
At some point; I got away from reading all the gossip sites, and started really paying attention to the news.
At some point; I learned instead of telling people what I though, sometimes keeping my mouth shut and complaining later was the best form of action.
At some point; I halted buying everything I wanted at the grocery store, and started buying only the things I needed.
At some point; I realized everyone in my family wasn't going to be around forever, and I started knowing the pain of loss.
At some point; I noticed if I didn't make it to my parents every holiday, life would go on.
At some point; I acknowledged that I had to let go of my childhood dreams.
At some point; I learned you really can't go home again.
At some point, I grew up.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The Senseless Injuries Hurt The Most
Ouch
What makes you feel more asinine than injuring yourself in a dim-witted way that is entirely avoidable? For me, it would be having two instances within the span of several hours.
Foolish injury #1; While getting into bed last night. Now going to bed, I have to pick my one dog, Gracie, up because she can’t make the jump up to the height of the bed. Wilson usually does it himself. I picked up Gracie and put her on the bed, then climbed in the middle under the covers and called Wilson. He made a valiant effort, but the rear half of his body didn’t get the clearance desired, and with panic in his eyes he started sliding off the bed. I of course, being the devoted parent I am, dove to the rescue. As I reached Wilson with my right arm I reached behind me to place him on the bed. While doing so, I myself was sliding very similarly the way he had, but in the reverse position, down to the floor. Instead of dropping him and using my hand to stop my fall, I saved the dog and hit my chin on the hard wood floor. Duh. I then turned and looked up to see both dogs staring at me from atop MY bed.
Foolish Injury #2; Waking up this morning. I proceeded into the bathroom to turn on the shower, which always needs a couple of minutes to heat up. Upon rising, I slam the top middle of my head on the cabinet over the toilet. This is the 3rd time this has happened. I am not proud.
I now have a sore chin, a bump and scab on the top of my head, and a horrible headache.
I am feeling smart today!
Stay out of trouble or don’t get caught.
What makes you feel more asinine than injuring yourself in a dim-witted way that is entirely avoidable? For me, it would be having two instances within the span of several hours.
Foolish injury #1; While getting into bed last night. Now going to bed, I have to pick my one dog, Gracie, up because she can’t make the jump up to the height of the bed. Wilson usually does it himself. I picked up Gracie and put her on the bed, then climbed in the middle under the covers and called Wilson. He made a valiant effort, but the rear half of his body didn’t get the clearance desired, and with panic in his eyes he started sliding off the bed. I of course, being the devoted parent I am, dove to the rescue. As I reached Wilson with my right arm I reached behind me to place him on the bed. While doing so, I myself was sliding very similarly the way he had, but in the reverse position, down to the floor. Instead of dropping him and using my hand to stop my fall, I saved the dog and hit my chin on the hard wood floor. Duh. I then turned and looked up to see both dogs staring at me from atop MY bed.
Foolish Injury #2; Waking up this morning. I proceeded into the bathroom to turn on the shower, which always needs a couple of minutes to heat up. Upon rising, I slam the top middle of my head on the cabinet over the toilet. This is the 3rd time this has happened. I am not proud.
I now have a sore chin, a bump and scab on the top of my head, and a horrible headache.
I am feeling smart today!
Stay out of trouble or don’t get caught.
Friday, November 21, 2008
I Got Nothing
Seriously - I have been sitting around thinking of something to write about - I know its been over a week, but I still have nothing. So we are going with the "stream of conscious" method today kids.
It finally got cooler! I was actually cold even at lunch today, which is rare in Texas. I love the cold, I don't turn my heater on until it is absolutely necessary either. And even then I heat to a mild 65 degrees.
I had a fabulous birthday last Friday. Multiple girlfriends and myself took cabs downtown for some craziness. I was lost after the tequila shot at the first bar... rumors are they found me ON the next one. All in good fun. Needless to say I didn't touch alcohol for 4 days afterwards. I partied like it was my 22nd not my 27th birthday. Then there was that bit of a head cold, what is it that it seems getting sick gets worse as you get older? Maybe when you're young you are confused and don't know whats going on, but with age comes knowledge, and you know it just stinks and you have to ride it out. Was that a run-on?
The down turning economy is really hitting me now. I cancelled my home phone and internet yesterday. I use my cell the majority of the time anyway, and it has internet, Yay for Blackberry! It is attached to me anyway. I can facebook, email, and blog all from there so I will be ok. Another economy change, I hope everyone likes my hair this color, because I can no longer afford to get it professionally done. Color 118E it will remain for the foreseeable future.
As the world turns scared around us, part of me is happy that Obama has been elected. The part that is grateful that as we drop further, which we inevitably will, I will not have to listen to them blaming it all on McCain and those that voted for him...
What can I say.. I always look for the upside.
On another note my mom gave me this little book she bought on vacation when she came in town. It is a "Name fortune teller" which was pretty funny. One of my ex boyfriends "future" was "you will be at the mercy of a girl's whim"... whoops.. I know that was me!! hehe!
On that note...
Stay out of trouble, or don't get caught.
It finally got cooler! I was actually cold even at lunch today, which is rare in Texas. I love the cold, I don't turn my heater on until it is absolutely necessary either. And even then I heat to a mild 65 degrees.
I had a fabulous birthday last Friday. Multiple girlfriends and myself took cabs downtown for some craziness. I was lost after the tequila shot at the first bar... rumors are they found me ON the next one. All in good fun. Needless to say I didn't touch alcohol for 4 days afterwards. I partied like it was my 22nd not my 27th birthday. Then there was that bit of a head cold, what is it that it seems getting sick gets worse as you get older? Maybe when you're young you are confused and don't know whats going on, but with age comes knowledge, and you know it just stinks and you have to ride it out. Was that a run-on?
The down turning economy is really hitting me now. I cancelled my home phone and internet yesterday. I use my cell the majority of the time anyway, and it has internet, Yay for Blackberry! It is attached to me anyway. I can facebook, email, and blog all from there so I will be ok. Another economy change, I hope everyone likes my hair this color, because I can no longer afford to get it professionally done. Color 118E it will remain for the foreseeable future.
As the world turns scared around us, part of me is happy that Obama has been elected. The part that is grateful that as we drop further, which we inevitably will, I will not have to listen to them blaming it all on McCain and those that voted for him...
What can I say.. I always look for the upside.
On another note my mom gave me this little book she bought on vacation when she came in town. It is a "Name fortune teller" which was pretty funny. One of my ex boyfriends "future" was "you will be at the mercy of a girl's whim"... whoops.. I know that was me!! hehe!
On that note...
Stay out of trouble, or don't get caught.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Everyday Goings On
No news…
I don’t have anything specific outlined or witty to say this week… so here are a few quick updates as of late ;
- The election is obviously over (unless you live in Minnesota… Stewart Smiley??? Really?) and so my passion for news is lacking. I just want to go back to some sort of normal on my television. I used to watch the Today show before this whole mess picked up and I’d like to go back. You know, back to when the main story was people with 18 kids or the newest movie? My 82 year old grandma and I were talking the other day, and she says “I miss my newspaper, every page is just O-Bama, O-Bama, O-Bama.” Now consider she lives in Alabama… so she said the Bama like Alabama. I will move on, but please do not come out at me with the lets reunite as one talk NOW when you didn't before. Not because I don’t believe it, but because its hypocrisy. You protested Bush the last 8 years and it was patriotic, now that the shoe is on the other foot it’s hate and rage. I’m just asking you to be all in, or not at all.
- One of my best friends came in town this past weekend. I Had not seen her in about a year as she still lives in Dallas. We used to basically be attached at the hip, spending most of our free time together. It was SO awesome to see her and I think it really perked me up in general. We did so much in one weekend. It was about everything I have done in Austin in 3 years combined into one weekend. I’m still exhausted, but I feel closer to “me” so to speak.
- My dryer is my latest home ownership headache. It turns on, it goes, but my clothes are damp and cold. There is no heat coming out of my freaking dryer!!! I looked up some information and I am keeping my fingers crossed it’s the easy fix. That being one of the two fuses has shorted so I need to restart that. That will be interesting tonight as none of my brakers are labeled. Ugh. If that’s not it, I will have to pay for a someone to come look at it as it is stackable in a very small closet in my rather small hallway. There is no way I could do that on my own without crushing one of my small pups in the process.
- My hair. I have issues with change as is. Going from blonde to red was a big change. Then red became strawberry blonde, which became orange, which became a dark auburn. Basically I have just declared I am trying to see how many different hair colors I can fit into one month. I have to give it to my hair dresser, she said it would be hard to maintain. When it faded to strawberry blonde I went rogue and did it on my own.. right now.. I think we’re ok but I don’t want to speak too soon.
- Friday is my birthday – 27 – not a big deal. I am going out with some girlfriends so maybe I’ll have some funny stories to report. My mom is coming into town tomorrow for a couple of days – but she’ll be going to bed when we are heading out – hopefully she won’t be too upset at our drunk butts rolling in at 2am. I told her be prepared to hold up my hair… she didn’t think it was as funny as I did.
- I have fully accepted something about my self and am trying to work on it. That being that when I feel less than, or inferior to something or someone, I become defensive and go on the attack. The only people I tend not to like are the people who don’t like me. It’s not a good quality – but a good quality is the knowledge I have and will acquire from realizing that.
- I saw one of the worst dancers of my life this weekend out with Sarah. I didn’t blame her at all. All I was thinking was… where the hell are her friends? Friends don’t let friends DO that. … Shout out to my friends…
Stay out of trouble or don’t get caught.
I don’t have anything specific outlined or witty to say this week… so here are a few quick updates as of late ;
- The election is obviously over (unless you live in Minnesota… Stewart Smiley??? Really?) and so my passion for news is lacking. I just want to go back to some sort of normal on my television. I used to watch the Today show before this whole mess picked up and I’d like to go back. You know, back to when the main story was people with 18 kids or the newest movie? My 82 year old grandma and I were talking the other day, and she says “I miss my newspaper, every page is just O-Bama, O-Bama, O-Bama.” Now consider she lives in Alabama… so she said the Bama like Alabama. I will move on, but please do not come out at me with the lets reunite as one talk NOW when you didn't before. Not because I don’t believe it, but because its hypocrisy. You protested Bush the last 8 years and it was patriotic, now that the shoe is on the other foot it’s hate and rage. I’m just asking you to be all in, or not at all.
- One of my best friends came in town this past weekend. I Had not seen her in about a year as she still lives in Dallas. We used to basically be attached at the hip, spending most of our free time together. It was SO awesome to see her and I think it really perked me up in general. We did so much in one weekend. It was about everything I have done in Austin in 3 years combined into one weekend. I’m still exhausted, but I feel closer to “me” so to speak.
- My dryer is my latest home ownership headache. It turns on, it goes, but my clothes are damp and cold. There is no heat coming out of my freaking dryer!!! I looked up some information and I am keeping my fingers crossed it’s the easy fix. That being one of the two fuses has shorted so I need to restart that. That will be interesting tonight as none of my brakers are labeled. Ugh. If that’s not it, I will have to pay for a someone to come look at it as it is stackable in a very small closet in my rather small hallway. There is no way I could do that on my own without crushing one of my small pups in the process.
- My hair. I have issues with change as is. Going from blonde to red was a big change. Then red became strawberry blonde, which became orange, which became a dark auburn. Basically I have just declared I am trying to see how many different hair colors I can fit into one month. I have to give it to my hair dresser, she said it would be hard to maintain. When it faded to strawberry blonde I went rogue and did it on my own.. right now.. I think we’re ok but I don’t want to speak too soon.
- Friday is my birthday – 27 – not a big deal. I am going out with some girlfriends so maybe I’ll have some funny stories to report. My mom is coming into town tomorrow for a couple of days – but she’ll be going to bed when we are heading out – hopefully she won’t be too upset at our drunk butts rolling in at 2am. I told her be prepared to hold up my hair… she didn’t think it was as funny as I did.
- I have fully accepted something about my self and am trying to work on it. That being that when I feel less than, or inferior to something or someone, I become defensive and go on the attack. The only people I tend not to like are the people who don’t like me. It’s not a good quality – but a good quality is the knowledge I have and will acquire from realizing that.
- I saw one of the worst dancers of my life this weekend out with Sarah. I didn’t blame her at all. All I was thinking was… where the hell are her friends? Friends don’t let friends DO that. … Shout out to my friends…
Stay out of trouble or don’t get caught.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
As the Cliche goes...
Be careful what you wish for… you just might get it.
I am thinking of this today, election day, more than ever. I’m looking at Barack Obama, and I’m looking at all of the people supporting him blindly, toting for change, and all that is running through my head is “be careful what you wish for.”
I’ll try and compare this illusion to a much smaller life experience I believe many of us have been through.
When I was in grade school, we’re talking elementary through high school, there was the “popular group.” I was not in it. There were several “popular” “good looking” guys in this group and they dated the attractive popular girls they were grouped with. I remember being out at a bar with some friends at 22 and running into one of those popular guys. I said “oh my lord, there is John Smith.” Obviously John Smith is not his real name, I certainly don’t want to embarrass or anger anyone here. John was a football player, a year older than me, good looking and incredibly popular. He was the type girls sit around and talk about how great it would be to date him, and fantasize all through their notes they pass back and forth in junior high.
With a little age, wisdom, and most importantly “liquid courage” I approached my John Smith. We talked a bit, and suddenly I realized he was flirting with me. I tried to keep my cool, I was so excited I was talking to John Smith. THE John Smith, if they could see me now!!! John got my number and called me to invite me out with him and his friends. Of course I went spending a ridiculous amount of time getting ready, calling everyone I knew. “Becki, GUESS WHO I’m going out with tonight?!?! OMG John Smith.”
John picked me up, we went and had drinks with his friends. He didn’t pay for me, he probably knew he didn’t have to. He was John Smith. He and his friends were, different, than I expected. They seemed kind of immature and really didn’t have a lot of respect for anyone they knew who was married and called them asinine. Ok – they said stupid, they weren’t acting mature enough to say asinine. The next morning I went to church with John Smith and he took me to Chili’s. Where he told me the story about how he wrote a song about the appetizer chips and salsa because he always asked for ranch with it. The brilliant song was titled “Chips, salsa and ranch.” No lie.
Our next “date” was, predictably, another bar with his single guy friends. There was a popular song at the time by Baby Bash called “Sugar” and the song repeated over and over and over “sugar sugar how’d you get so fly”. Well Mr. Smith gets me out on the dance floor to “check this out”… and he proceeds to dance and sing..
“John Smith how’d you get so fly, John Smith how’d you get so fly”
Seriously? And every time I didn’t laugh or respond in kind, he would go “you know I played football in high school?”. Right.
Not to mention that his “dinner ware” was paper plates, paper bowls, paper cups and plastic utensils…
Basically I realized that this guy I had crushed on and gossiped about in high school, was nothing more than an annoying, immature guy. I never would have guessed at 16 that I would have been so wrong, he was so popular.
We may not be dating, but Barack Obama is just another John Smith to me.
Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. And you don't even know what IT is.
Stay out of trouble or don't get caught.
I am thinking of this today, election day, more than ever. I’m looking at Barack Obama, and I’m looking at all of the people supporting him blindly, toting for change, and all that is running through my head is “be careful what you wish for.”
I’ll try and compare this illusion to a much smaller life experience I believe many of us have been through.
When I was in grade school, we’re talking elementary through high school, there was the “popular group.” I was not in it. There were several “popular” “good looking” guys in this group and they dated the attractive popular girls they were grouped with. I remember being out at a bar with some friends at 22 and running into one of those popular guys. I said “oh my lord, there is John Smith.” Obviously John Smith is not his real name, I certainly don’t want to embarrass or anger anyone here. John was a football player, a year older than me, good looking and incredibly popular. He was the type girls sit around and talk about how great it would be to date him, and fantasize all through their notes they pass back and forth in junior high.
With a little age, wisdom, and most importantly “liquid courage” I approached my John Smith. We talked a bit, and suddenly I realized he was flirting with me. I tried to keep my cool, I was so excited I was talking to John Smith. THE John Smith, if they could see me now!!! John got my number and called me to invite me out with him and his friends. Of course I went spending a ridiculous amount of time getting ready, calling everyone I knew. “Becki, GUESS WHO I’m going out with tonight?!?! OMG John Smith.”
John picked me up, we went and had drinks with his friends. He didn’t pay for me, he probably knew he didn’t have to. He was John Smith. He and his friends were, different, than I expected. They seemed kind of immature and really didn’t have a lot of respect for anyone they knew who was married and called them asinine. Ok – they said stupid, they weren’t acting mature enough to say asinine. The next morning I went to church with John Smith and he took me to Chili’s. Where he told me the story about how he wrote a song about the appetizer chips and salsa because he always asked for ranch with it. The brilliant song was titled “Chips, salsa and ranch.” No lie.
Our next “date” was, predictably, another bar with his single guy friends. There was a popular song at the time by Baby Bash called “Sugar” and the song repeated over and over and over “sugar sugar how’d you get so fly”. Well Mr. Smith gets me out on the dance floor to “check this out”… and he proceeds to dance and sing..
“John Smith how’d you get so fly, John Smith how’d you get so fly”
Seriously? And every time I didn’t laugh or respond in kind, he would go “you know I played football in high school?”. Right.
Not to mention that his “dinner ware” was paper plates, paper bowls, paper cups and plastic utensils…
Basically I realized that this guy I had crushed on and gossiped about in high school, was nothing more than an annoying, immature guy. I never would have guessed at 16 that I would have been so wrong, he was so popular.
We may not be dating, but Barack Obama is just another John Smith to me.
Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. And you don't even know what IT is.
Stay out of trouble or don't get caught.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Young and Old
I was watching a friend/co-worker's 5 year old this past weekend and we were in the backyard enjoying the wonderful weather. I experienced a few things that afternoon.
1. Those Razor Scooters are danger on wheels.. Holy Crap I almost bit it so many times... but like the idiot i am, I kept going, and going, and going.....
2. The Power Wheels - pretty entertaining, even at 26 years old. You know the little "mini cars" that the kids drive around...That is until a certain 5 year old says
"Miss Julie.... why does it go so SLOOOWWW when you're on it?"
Damn.
My friend Tam showed me this photo when she was in town a couple of weeks ago. This is from December 2002.
1. Those Razor Scooters are danger on wheels.. Holy Crap I almost bit it so many times... but like the idiot i am, I kept going, and going, and going.....
2. The Power Wheels - pretty entertaining, even at 26 years old. You know the little "mini cars" that the kids drive around...That is until a certain 5 year old says
"Miss Julie.... why does it go so SLOOOWWW when you're on it?"
Damn.
My friend Tam showed me this photo when she was in town a couple of weeks ago. This is from December 2002.
"oh ugh" notices
- I had the mile long fake nails going on (lost those 4 years ago.. $60 a month is ridiculous)
- I was drinking a Smirnoff Ice (in my defense, I had only been 21 for a few weeks at the time)
- I still have that blue sweater... time to let go Julie... time to let go.
For the record, Avril Lavigne was VERY nice - can't speak for her now (I think she lost my number), but when we ran into her at the hotel that night - she was friendly.
Stay out of trouble or don't get caught....
Monday, October 27, 2008
A Cluster of This and That
Well last week I attempted the baby steps of “getting out more.” I had wine with a new friend, and really enjoyed it. Thursday my friend Christina and I went to UT to catch a free Gavin DeGraw show. I have always liked his songs, but his live show… and him.. well there isn’t much to complain about there. And hey, I was out on a Thursday and I survived!!!
I want to address a comment now left on a previous blog – it was left on this one – http://senselessjewels.blogspot.com/2008/10/where-does-hate-come-from.html
The Comment is from “Rebecca” (whom I know ATLEAST 5 of so this could be one of them or someone new, I have no clue), and here is what it says.
“To add some objectivity... your region and demographic affects your perspective about hateful propaganda. For example, if you were a first generation Mexican-American living in Los Angeles, there's a good chance you would be fixated on Republican supporters at a recent rally noting that they were "afraid of Obama" and that he is an "Arab". Luckily, McCain grabbed the microphone from the woman and said "no ma'am." I think the candidates have kept the hatefulness to a minimum between them. As for supporters, people get emotional and say terrible things on behalf of both tickets. Racist comments abound regarding Barack and have little to do with his ability or inability to be president. Search and ye will find nastiness on both ends. And remember that it is easy to be biased if you're inundated with the beliefs of those in your community. The only purpose in that is to distract you from making your own decision and to make you focus on an Us vs. Them mentality. We're all citizens for crying out loud.”
Now I must say I am rather offended by this persons “assumptions.” First of all, to state my view of “hateful propaganda” is only because of my demographic and region is ignorant, and not me at all. First of all I live in Austin, TX, a majority of this city is liberal. Second of all 90% of my friends and acquaintances are liberal, I am the minority in my political beliefs here. It does not take any region or demographic to see how incredibly biased the media is on Barack Obama. How either side could ignore that is crazy to me. Yes hateful things are said on and by both sides… but it is the people at the McCain/Palin rallies that have the repetitive media coverage, while the Obama/Biden backers are swept under frivolous stories of Paris Hilton or Angelina Jolie. I am an intelligent young woman and I can think for myself, please do not assume to know my IQ level.
Ok – off that, on to other things.
I woke up last night around 2am and could not fall back asleep until 5am. Wow – the amazing things that come across tv between 2 and 5am.
1. I want me a Kymora body shaper! Those things look awesome! Lose weight, no work out… 39.95, no thanks.
2. Some funky named straightener that can also curl your hair… I’m confused…
3. Bridezillas. I have no fear of dying alone if these crazies can get someone to marry them. One woman actually REFUSED to let her 2 year old walk with her down the aisle because it “was her day.” – Wow. Another was upset her boobs were not falling out the sides of her dress. You read that right.
Quality programming my friends.
I will leave you with my new sign off that my Dad says to me on a regular basis
Stay out of trouble, or don’t get caught.
I want to address a comment now left on a previous blog – it was left on this one – http://senselessjewels.blogspot.com/2008/10/where-does-hate-come-from.html
The Comment is from “Rebecca” (whom I know ATLEAST 5 of so this could be one of them or someone new, I have no clue), and here is what it says.
“To add some objectivity... your region and demographic affects your perspective about hateful propaganda. For example, if you were a first generation Mexican-American living in Los Angeles, there's a good chance you would be fixated on Republican supporters at a recent rally noting that they were "afraid of Obama" and that he is an "Arab". Luckily, McCain grabbed the microphone from the woman and said "no ma'am." I think the candidates have kept the hatefulness to a minimum between them. As for supporters, people get emotional and say terrible things on behalf of both tickets. Racist comments abound regarding Barack and have little to do with his ability or inability to be president. Search and ye will find nastiness on both ends. And remember that it is easy to be biased if you're inundated with the beliefs of those in your community. The only purpose in that is to distract you from making your own decision and to make you focus on an Us vs. Them mentality. We're all citizens for crying out loud.”
Now I must say I am rather offended by this persons “assumptions.” First of all, to state my view of “hateful propaganda” is only because of my demographic and region is ignorant, and not me at all. First of all I live in Austin, TX, a majority of this city is liberal. Second of all 90% of my friends and acquaintances are liberal, I am the minority in my political beliefs here. It does not take any region or demographic to see how incredibly biased the media is on Barack Obama. How either side could ignore that is crazy to me. Yes hateful things are said on and by both sides… but it is the people at the McCain/Palin rallies that have the repetitive media coverage, while the Obama/Biden backers are swept under frivolous stories of Paris Hilton or Angelina Jolie. I am an intelligent young woman and I can think for myself, please do not assume to know my IQ level.
Ok – off that, on to other things.
I woke up last night around 2am and could not fall back asleep until 5am. Wow – the amazing things that come across tv between 2 and 5am.
1. I want me a Kymora body shaper! Those things look awesome! Lose weight, no work out… 39.95, no thanks.
2. Some funky named straightener that can also curl your hair… I’m confused…
3. Bridezillas. I have no fear of dying alone if these crazies can get someone to marry them. One woman actually REFUSED to let her 2 year old walk with her down the aisle because it “was her day.” – Wow. Another was upset her boobs were not falling out the sides of her dress. You read that right.
Quality programming my friends.
I will leave you with my new sign off that my Dad says to me on a regular basis
Stay out of trouble, or don’t get caught.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
A Break From Politics to Focus on Me
I feel I’ve lost my way
I have gotten so involved in politics. So trapped in the pattern of waking up, going to work, going home for dinner, some puppy and tv time, and then to bed, I’m on auto pilot. I suppose I am reaching this plateau. The realization that I am standing still and not moving side to side, up and down, but remaining sedentary hits me in the one question I have received lately from old friends.
“What have you been up to?” or “What’s new with you”
To these questions I have no response, merely “same old, same old.” I am almost 27 years old. I am in the middle of what some people would label an amazing and fun filled time. Yet I truly have nothing new to say or add to my recent “happenings.”
Last week I stepped outside my box, just a bit. I went to see So You Think You can Dance with two friends, one old, one new. I dyed my hair red, yep, red.
I have gotten so involved in politics. So trapped in the pattern of waking up, going to work, going home for dinner, some puppy and tv time, and then to bed, I’m on auto pilot. I suppose I am reaching this plateau. The realization that I am standing still and not moving side to side, up and down, but remaining sedentary hits me in the one question I have received lately from old friends.
“What have you been up to?” or “What’s new with you”
To these questions I have no response, merely “same old, same old.” I am almost 27 years old. I am in the middle of what some people would label an amazing and fun filled time. Yet I truly have nothing new to say or add to my recent “happenings.”
Last week I stepped outside my box, just a bit. I went to see So You Think You can Dance with two friends, one old, one new. I dyed my hair red, yep, red.
I went to see New Kids on The Block for the first time since I was 9 years old and truly thought they would appreciate it if I wore one of their shirts to the concert and take notice. (They didn't) It was SO FUN to sit there and sing the old songs from when I was a kid. And they looked pretty good too.
What an amazing time I had last week. Here I am in the middle of this week asking myself, now what? Do I just go back to the routine? Do I just associate with the same people? What do I look forward to?
I have recently found myself doing something I never thought I would do…. Missing Dallas. Don’t panic, or get excited, I’m not going back. I am just starting to appreciate what it was to have the life I led and how much I truly enjoyed it. I could drop in and visit with my parents. I still talk to my Mom often but getting my Dad to chat on the phone is like pulling teeth. I hardly talk to my brother and sister. I have left so many great friends behind and they have just fallen beneath the cracks. Please don’t misunderstand, I have AMAZING friends here in Austin and I love all of them dearly and would not trade our friendships. I hope they continue to grow, but I don’t feel I’m seeing them either!
What I feel I am saying is I want
-to extend the figurative branch back out to my Dallas people
-I want to go out more
- I want to have fun
- I want to sleep less
-I want to reconnect
- I want to laugh
I need out of this politic bubble the world is constantly shoving at us. I need to leave my home more, see more sights, take the dogs for longer walks, and hell even run up some more credit card debt if that’s what it takes.
Three years ago, I was exhausted, deep in debt, and flying by the seat of my pants. Today I am well rested, for the most part out of debt and about as bored with myself as they come.
Where is the mix between the responsibilities adulthood and life?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Joe for President
One man can make a difference. Not only was he brought up 25 times in the debates last night, but he is standing strong on his belief that Obama's tax plan is wrong.
Here he is not backing down to Diane Sawyer, you go Joe.
Here he is not backing down to Diane Sawyer, you go Joe.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Where does the hate come from?
This is a late night blog of basic commentary and opinion. It all begins with a question I have posed to many liberal friends of mine.
Where does the hate come from?
From my experience and what I have heard, most of this hate is directed at Sarah Palin. To name a few of the things actual associates/friends have said;
- "Palin should be hung up and shot" (a. hateful, b.. hung up AND shot?!?!?)
- "Her entire family makes me want to vomit"
- "She is a stupid c**t"
- "She is an embarrassment to women"
WHAT?!?! Seriously? Where does this come from? How is it possible to have such hate for someone you do not even know and has only been in the "public eye" for 5 weeks?
Her children - what's wrong with them? We can accept Jamie Lynn Spears pregnancy at 16 and even pay her $1 million dollars to be on the cover of a magazine....so Bristol Palin is pregnant?! She's keeping and raising the baby, what a huge decision. And what a brave girl to do that in the public eye. Who are you to judge? Did you raise a child as a teenager? No... you probably think it's better to follow Obama and support a failed abortion leaving the baby in a soiled linen room breathing and dying ALONE.
I think she's a great woman. What has she done? The problem is she has done more than THEIR CANDIDATE... she;s been a real mayor, he hasn't.. she's been a real governor, he hasn't... she's been in charge of the Alaskan National Guard.. he hasn't.
But don't be down.... he did help "community organize" an organization... maybe you have seen them in the news... ACORN? Heard of them?
Point is.. I have NEVER called Barack Obama a terrorist, said I hated him, or that he should be "hung up and shot", I have only presented FACTS of his past history and voting record.
I know he is "the one" to you and the super candidate, but I have an open mind, and yours is closed. Next time you come to me saying "Go Obama", BACK IT UP. Tell me a policy you believe in, tell me a vote you support or a stance you stand behind. Then, and only then, will I RESPECT YOU as a voter and as an American.
PS - My best friend in the world is a liberal supporting Obama and I still love and admire her. However, she told me in a "not good" tone, "you and Elisabeth Hasselbeck should do lunch. Seriously." For the record, I ADORE and LOVE Elisabeth Hasselbeck.. to be attacked DAILY by 3 women and barely offered a voice is courage in it's finest.. I would be honored to have lunch with her anytime, anywhere.
Where does the hate come from?
From my experience and what I have heard, most of this hate is directed at Sarah Palin. To name a few of the things actual associates/friends have said;
- "Palin should be hung up and shot" (a. hateful, b.. hung up AND shot?!?!?)
- "Her entire family makes me want to vomit"
- "She is a stupid c**t"
- "She is an embarrassment to women"
WHAT?!?! Seriously? Where does this come from? How is it possible to have such hate for someone you do not even know and has only been in the "public eye" for 5 weeks?
Her children - what's wrong with them? We can accept Jamie Lynn Spears pregnancy at 16 and even pay her $1 million dollars to be on the cover of a magazine....so Bristol Palin is pregnant?! She's keeping and raising the baby, what a huge decision. And what a brave girl to do that in the public eye. Who are you to judge? Did you raise a child as a teenager? No... you probably think it's better to follow Obama and support a failed abortion leaving the baby in a soiled linen room breathing and dying ALONE.
I think she's a great woman. What has she done? The problem is she has done more than THEIR CANDIDATE... she;s been a real mayor, he hasn't.. she's been a real governor, he hasn't... she's been in charge of the Alaskan National Guard.. he hasn't.
But don't be down.... he did help "community organize" an organization... maybe you have seen them in the news... ACORN? Heard of them?
Point is.. I have NEVER called Barack Obama a terrorist, said I hated him, or that he should be "hung up and shot", I have only presented FACTS of his past history and voting record.
I know he is "the one" to you and the super candidate, but I have an open mind, and yours is closed. Next time you come to me saying "Go Obama", BACK IT UP. Tell me a policy you believe in, tell me a vote you support or a stance you stand behind. Then, and only then, will I RESPECT YOU as a voter and as an American.
PS - My best friend in the world is a liberal supporting Obama and I still love and admire her. However, she told me in a "not good" tone, "you and Elisabeth Hasselbeck should do lunch. Seriously." For the record, I ADORE and LOVE Elisabeth Hasselbeck.. to be attacked DAILY by 3 women and barely offered a voice is courage in it's finest.. I would be honored to have lunch with her anytime, anywhere.
Back at it, Monday
I hope everyone had a great weekend! I received a call from my Mom yesterday morning with a special request. She wants me to go back to writing funny blogs :), understood - I do too. However, right now I think this video should be an eye opener.
Major points for these patriots for doing this, it could not have been easy, but I wouldn't mind joining them.
Major points for these patriots for doing this, it could not have been easy, but I wouldn't mind joining them.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Evil
I am truly reconsidering my respect for anyone who would vote for this man.
How you can turn a blind eye to this just because you don't want "4 more years of Bush" is ignorance, and a slap in the face to America.
How you can turn a blind eye to this just because you don't want "4 more years of Bush" is ignorance, and a slap in the face to America.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
This is What He Stands For
Everyone needs to read this article. This is disgusting. Babies that have a CHANCE AND ARE ALIVE, even admittedly by Obama, should not have the right to live? I am disgusted.
The Obama Debate Every American Should See Wednesday, October 08, 2008By Terence P. Jeffrey
The most telling debate Barack Obama ever had was not with John McCain but Patrick O’Malley, who served with Obama in the Illinois Senate and engaged Obama in a colloquy every American should read.
The Obama-O’Malley debate was a defining moment for Obama because it dealt with such a fundamental issue: The state’s duty to protect the civil rights of the young and disabled.
Some background: Eight years ago, nurse Jill Stanek went public about the “induced-labor abortions” performed at the Illinois hospital where she worked. Often done on Down syndrome babies, the procedure involved medicating the mother to cause premature labor.
Babies who survived this, Stanek testified in the U.S. Congress, were brought to a soiled linen room and left alone to die without care or comforting.
Then-Illinois state Sen. Patrick O’Malley, whom I interviewed this week, contacted the state attorney general’s office to see whether existing laws protected a newborn abortion-survivor’s rights as a U.S. citizen. He was told they did not.
So, O’Malley—a lawyer, veteran lawmaker and colleague of Obama on the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee—drafted legislation.
In 2001, he introduced three bills. SB1093 said if a doctor performing an abortion believed there was a likelihood the baby would survive, another physician must be present “to assess the child’s viability and provide medical care.” SB1094 gave the parents, or a state-appointed guardian, the right to sue to protect the child’s rights. SB1095 simply said a baby alive after “complete expulsion or extraction from its mother” would be considered a “’person, ‘human being,’ ‘child’ and ‘individual.’”
The bills dealt exclusively with born children. “This legislation was about preventing conduct that allowed infanticide to take place in the state of Illinois,” O’Malley told me.
The Judiciary Committee approved the bills with Obama in opposition. On March 31, 2001, they came up on the Illinois senate floor. Only one member spoke against them: Obama.
“Nobody else said anything,” O’Malley recalls. The official transcript validates this.
“Sen. O’Malley,” Obama said near the beginning of the discussion, “the testimony during the committee indicated that one of the key concerns was—is that there was a method of abortion, an induced abortion, where the—the fetus or child, as—as some might describe it, is still temporarily alive outside the womb.”
Obama made three crucial concessions here: the legislation was about 1) a human being, who was 2) “alive” and 3) “outside the womb.”
He also used an odd redundancy: “temporarily alive.” Is there another type of human?
“And one of the concerns that came out in the testimony was the fact that they were not being properly cared for during that brief period of time that they were still living,” Obama continued.
Here he made another crucial concession: The intention of the legislation was to make sure that 1) a human being, 2) alive and 3) outside the womb was 4) “properly cared for.”
“Is that correct?” Obama asked O’Malley.
O’Malley tightened the logical knot. “(T)his bill suggests that appropriate steps be taken to treat that baby as a—a citizen of the United States and afforded all the rights and protections it deserves under the Constitution of the United States,” said O’Malley.
But to these specific temporarily-alive-outside-the-womb-human beings—to these children who had survived a botched abortion, whose hearts were beating, whose muscles were moving, whose lungs were heaving—to these specific children of God, Obama was not willing to concede any constitutional rights at all.
To explain his position, Obama came up with yet another term to describe the human being who would be protected by O’Malley’s bills. The abortion survivor became a “pre-viable fetus.”
By definition, however, a born baby cannot be a “fetus.” Merriam-Webster Online defines “fetus” as an “unborn or unhatched vertebrate” or “a developing human from usually two months after conception to birth.” Obama had already conceded these human beings were “alive outside the womb.”
“No. 1,” said Obama, “whenever we define a pre-viable fetus as a person that is protected by the equal protection clause or other elements of the Constitution, what we’re really saying is, in fact, that they are persons that are entitled to the kinds of protections that would be provided to a—a child, a nine-month-old—child that was delivered to term.”
Yes. In other words, a baby born alive at 37 weeks is just as much a human “person” as a baby born alive at 22 weeks.
Obama, however, saw a problem with calling abortion survivors “persons.” “I mean, it—it would essentially bar abortions,” said Obama, “because the equal protection clause does not allow somebody to kill a child, and if this is a child, then this would be an antiabortion statute.”
For Obama, whether or not a temporarily-alive-outside-the-womb little girl is a “person” entitled to constitutional rights is not determined by her humanity, her age or even her place in space relative to her mother’s uterus. It is determined by a whether a doctor has been trying to kill her.
The Obama Debate Every American Should See Wednesday, October 08, 2008By Terence P. Jeffrey
The most telling debate Barack Obama ever had was not with John McCain but Patrick O’Malley, who served with Obama in the Illinois Senate and engaged Obama in a colloquy every American should read.
The Obama-O’Malley debate was a defining moment for Obama because it dealt with such a fundamental issue: The state’s duty to protect the civil rights of the young and disabled.
Some background: Eight years ago, nurse Jill Stanek went public about the “induced-labor abortions” performed at the Illinois hospital where she worked. Often done on Down syndrome babies, the procedure involved medicating the mother to cause premature labor.
Babies who survived this, Stanek testified in the U.S. Congress, were brought to a soiled linen room and left alone to die without care or comforting.
Then-Illinois state Sen. Patrick O’Malley, whom I interviewed this week, contacted the state attorney general’s office to see whether existing laws protected a newborn abortion-survivor’s rights as a U.S. citizen. He was told they did not.
So, O’Malley—a lawyer, veteran lawmaker and colleague of Obama on the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee—drafted legislation.
In 2001, he introduced three bills. SB1093 said if a doctor performing an abortion believed there was a likelihood the baby would survive, another physician must be present “to assess the child’s viability and provide medical care.” SB1094 gave the parents, or a state-appointed guardian, the right to sue to protect the child’s rights. SB1095 simply said a baby alive after “complete expulsion or extraction from its mother” would be considered a “’person, ‘human being,’ ‘child’ and ‘individual.’”
The bills dealt exclusively with born children. “This legislation was about preventing conduct that allowed infanticide to take place in the state of Illinois,” O’Malley told me.
The Judiciary Committee approved the bills with Obama in opposition. On March 31, 2001, they came up on the Illinois senate floor. Only one member spoke against them: Obama.
“Nobody else said anything,” O’Malley recalls. The official transcript validates this.
“Sen. O’Malley,” Obama said near the beginning of the discussion, “the testimony during the committee indicated that one of the key concerns was—is that there was a method of abortion, an induced abortion, where the—the fetus or child, as—as some might describe it, is still temporarily alive outside the womb.”
Obama made three crucial concessions here: the legislation was about 1) a human being, who was 2) “alive” and 3) “outside the womb.”
He also used an odd redundancy: “temporarily alive.” Is there another type of human?
“And one of the concerns that came out in the testimony was the fact that they were not being properly cared for during that brief period of time that they were still living,” Obama continued.
Here he made another crucial concession: The intention of the legislation was to make sure that 1) a human being, 2) alive and 3) outside the womb was 4) “properly cared for.”
“Is that correct?” Obama asked O’Malley.
O’Malley tightened the logical knot. “(T)his bill suggests that appropriate steps be taken to treat that baby as a—a citizen of the United States and afforded all the rights and protections it deserves under the Constitution of the United States,” said O’Malley.
But to these specific temporarily-alive-outside-the-womb-human beings—to these children who had survived a botched abortion, whose hearts were beating, whose muscles were moving, whose lungs were heaving—to these specific children of God, Obama was not willing to concede any constitutional rights at all.
To explain his position, Obama came up with yet another term to describe the human being who would be protected by O’Malley’s bills. The abortion survivor became a “pre-viable fetus.”
By definition, however, a born baby cannot be a “fetus.” Merriam-Webster Online defines “fetus” as an “unborn or unhatched vertebrate” or “a developing human from usually two months after conception to birth.” Obama had already conceded these human beings were “alive outside the womb.”
“No. 1,” said Obama, “whenever we define a pre-viable fetus as a person that is protected by the equal protection clause or other elements of the Constitution, what we’re really saying is, in fact, that they are persons that are entitled to the kinds of protections that would be provided to a—a child, a nine-month-old—child that was delivered to term.”
Yes. In other words, a baby born alive at 37 weeks is just as much a human “person” as a baby born alive at 22 weeks.
Obama, however, saw a problem with calling abortion survivors “persons.” “I mean, it—it would essentially bar abortions,” said Obama, “because the equal protection clause does not allow somebody to kill a child, and if this is a child, then this would be an antiabortion statute.”
For Obama, whether or not a temporarily-alive-outside-the-womb little girl is a “person” entitled to constitutional rights is not determined by her humanity, her age or even her place in space relative to her mother’s uterus. It is determined by a whether a doctor has been trying to kill her.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Lets Learn More About The Real Obama
I came across a great article today written by Thomas Sowell on National Review Online. This article aims to point out how Obama's past "allies", are far more important that the media lets on. He also addresses several issues.
"Obama could have allied himself with all sorts of other people. But, time and again, he allied himself with people who openly expressed their hatred of America. No amount of flags on his campaign platforms this election year can change that."
How do people forget? This is the man who has his own stamp of the United States seal, the man who won't cross his hand over his heart during the pledge of allegiance, and the man who is married to a woman who is JUST RECENTLY proud of America.
One example he brings up about Obama's rise to fame is interesting, and shady.
"The story of Obama’s political career is not a pretty story. He won his first political victory by being the only candidate on the ballot — after hiring someone skilled at disqualifying the signers of opposing candidates’ petitions, on whatever technicality he could come up with. Despite his words today about “change” and “cleaning up the mess in Washington,” Obama was not on the side of reformers who were trying to change the status quo of corrupt, machine politics in Chicago and clean up the mess there. Obama came out in favor of the Daley machine and against reform candidates.Senator Obama is running on an image that is directly the opposite of what he has been doing for two decades. His escapes from his past have been as remarkable as the great escapes of Houdini."
You can read the entire article here. Worth it.
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZmM1NzBkNGI4MGRkZjFmOTg4ZjU3ODVjNmE5ZGM0OGI=
"Obama could have allied himself with all sorts of other people. But, time and again, he allied himself with people who openly expressed their hatred of America. No amount of flags on his campaign platforms this election year can change that."
How do people forget? This is the man who has his own stamp of the United States seal, the man who won't cross his hand over his heart during the pledge of allegiance, and the man who is married to a woman who is JUST RECENTLY proud of America.
One example he brings up about Obama's rise to fame is interesting, and shady.
"The story of Obama’s political career is not a pretty story. He won his first political victory by being the only candidate on the ballot — after hiring someone skilled at disqualifying the signers of opposing candidates’ petitions, on whatever technicality he could come up with. Despite his words today about “change” and “cleaning up the mess in Washington,” Obama was not on the side of reformers who were trying to change the status quo of corrupt, machine politics in Chicago and clean up the mess there. Obama came out in favor of the Daley machine and against reform candidates.Senator Obama is running on an image that is directly the opposite of what he has been doing for two decades. His escapes from his past have been as remarkable as the great escapes of Houdini."
You can read the entire article here. Worth it.
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZmM1NzBkNGI4MGRkZjFmOTg4ZjU3ODVjNmE5ZGM0OGI=
Monday, October 6, 2008
Obama's "Strategy"
According to wikipedia, as well as other news outlets (wiki was my main source), Saul Alinsky is considered to be “the founder of modern community organizing in America.”
Born in Chicago, IL, he is said to be an influence of Barack Obama’s.
Obama answered a help-wanted ad for the job of a community organizer for the Developing Communities Project (DCP) of the Calumet Community Religious Conference (CCRC) in Chicago. Both organizations were built on the Alinsky principle.
In his last book before Saul Alinsky died, “Rules For Radicals” he outlined his view for how to gain mass power over the community. An excerpt from this book follows;
"There's another reason for working inside the system. Dostoevski said that taking a new step is what people fear most. Any revolutionary change must be preceded by a passive, affirmative, non-challenging attitude toward change among the mass of our people. They must feel so frustrated, so defeated, so lost, so futureless in the prevailing system that they are willing to let go of the past and change the future. This acceptance is the reformation essential to any revolution. To bring on this reformation requires that the organizer work inside the system, among not only the middle class but the 40 per cent of American families - more than seventy million people - whose income range from $5,000 to $10,000 a year [in 1971]. They cannot be dismissed by labeling them blue collar or hard hat. They will not continue to be relatively passive and slightly challenging. If we fail to communicate with them, if we don't encourage them to form alliances with us, they will move to the right. Maybe they will anyway, but let's not let it happen by default."
Mike Kruglick, one of Obama’s early mentors in the Alinsky method had this to say to “The New Republic” about Obama.
"He was a natural, the undisputed master of agitation, who could engage a room full of recruiting targets in a rapid-fire Socratic dialogue, nudging them to admit that they were not living up to their own standards. As with the panhandler, he could be aggressive and confrontational. With probing, sometimes personal questions, he would pinpoint the source of pain in their lives, tearing down their egos just enough before dangling a carrot of hope that they could make things better."
Now, watch this video and see how Obama utilizes the strategy and teachings of Alinsky. He was supposedly going to address the crowd concerning the comment he made in Pennsylvania surrounding "bitter people clinging to Bibles and guns." Watch how he riles the crowd, then ends with himself as the answer.
Perhaps most terrifying is the epigraph of Alinsky’s book, seen below;
“Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology, and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins -- or which is which), the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom – Lucifer.”
I think that speaks for itself, don’t you?
Born in Chicago, IL, he is said to be an influence of Barack Obama’s.
Obama answered a help-wanted ad for the job of a community organizer for the Developing Communities Project (DCP) of the Calumet Community Religious Conference (CCRC) in Chicago. Both organizations were built on the Alinsky principle.
In his last book before Saul Alinsky died, “Rules For Radicals” he outlined his view for how to gain mass power over the community. An excerpt from this book follows;
"There's another reason for working inside the system. Dostoevski said that taking a new step is what people fear most. Any revolutionary change must be preceded by a passive, affirmative, non-challenging attitude toward change among the mass of our people. They must feel so frustrated, so defeated, so lost, so futureless in the prevailing system that they are willing to let go of the past and change the future. This acceptance is the reformation essential to any revolution. To bring on this reformation requires that the organizer work inside the system, among not only the middle class but the 40 per cent of American families - more than seventy million people - whose income range from $5,000 to $10,000 a year [in 1971]. They cannot be dismissed by labeling them blue collar or hard hat. They will not continue to be relatively passive and slightly challenging. If we fail to communicate with them, if we don't encourage them to form alliances with us, they will move to the right. Maybe they will anyway, but let's not let it happen by default."
Mike Kruglick, one of Obama’s early mentors in the Alinsky method had this to say to “The New Republic” about Obama.
"He was a natural, the undisputed master of agitation, who could engage a room full of recruiting targets in a rapid-fire Socratic dialogue, nudging them to admit that they were not living up to their own standards. As with the panhandler, he could be aggressive and confrontational. With probing, sometimes personal questions, he would pinpoint the source of pain in their lives, tearing down their egos just enough before dangling a carrot of hope that they could make things better."
Now, watch this video and see how Obama utilizes the strategy and teachings of Alinsky. He was supposedly going to address the crowd concerning the comment he made in Pennsylvania surrounding "bitter people clinging to Bibles and guns." Watch how he riles the crowd, then ends with himself as the answer.
Perhaps most terrifying is the epigraph of Alinsky’s book, seen below;
“Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology, and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins -- or which is which), the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom – Lucifer.”
I think that speaks for itself, don’t you?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Voter Fraud in Ohio?
You will not find many news reports on this. Thankfully, Lou Dobbs and Glenn Beck at CNN are not completely in the tank for Obama, and appear to believe in fair reporting.
Please watch this video, this is an obscene opportunity for fraud. They do not FACT CHECK these voters registrations, they can vote right away!!!
Please watch this video, this is an obscene opportunity for fraud. They do not FACT CHECK these voters registrations, they can vote right away!!!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
A Real Man for Change (not just one who talks of it)
In 2005, it is a matter of national record that one candidate predicted that without regulation, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could bring about the downfall of our economy.
And no, it's not the alleged face of "Change" and "Hope", it is the man that needs to be President of the United States, the man you need to vote for on November 4th, John McCain.
Sen Charles Hagel, Sen Elizabeth Dole, Sen John McCain, and Sen John Sununu co-sponsored a bill for reform.
Here is the text available via govtrack.us of John McCain's introduction; please note highlighted portions
John McCain :"Mr. President, this week Fannie Mae's regulator reported that the company's quarterly reports of profit growth over the past few years were "illusions deliberately and systematically created" by the company's senior management, which resulted in a $10.6 billion accounting scandal.
The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's report goes on to say that Fannie Mae employees deliberately and intentionally manipulated financial reports to hit earnings targets in order to trigger bonuses for senior executives. In the case of Franklin Raines, Fannie Mae's former chief executive officer, OFHEO's report shows that over half of Mr. Raines' compensation for the 6 years through 2003 was directly tied to meeting earnings targets. The report of financial misconduct at Fannie Mae echoes the deeply troubling $5 billion profit restatement at Freddie Mac.
The OFHEO report also states that Fannie Mae used its political power to lobby Congress in an effort to interfere with the regulator's examination of the company's accounting problems. This report comes some weeks after Freddie Mac paid a record $3.8 million fine in a settlement with the Federal Election Commission and restated lobbying disclosure reports from 2004 to 2005. These are entities that have demonstrated over and over again that they are deeply in need of reform.
For years I have been concerned about the regulatory structure that governs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac--known as Government-sponsored entities or GSEs--and the sheer magnitude of these companies and the role they play in the housing market. OFHEO's report this week does nothing to ease these concerns. In fact, the report does quite the contrary. OFHEO's report solidifies my view that the GSEs need to be reformed without delay.
Quick Info
S. 190 [109th]: Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005
Last Action: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Status: Dead
I join as a cosponsor of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005, S. 190, to underscore my support for quick passage of GSE regulatory reform legislation. If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole.
I urge my colleagues to support swift action on this GSE reform legislation."
So... Mr. Obama... what was that you said about John McCain being partially responsible for this crisis? Ms. Pelosi, I don't see any democrats co-sponsoring this bill??
Facts are facts people. Don't let the media spin fool you.
And no, it's not the alleged face of "Change" and "Hope", it is the man that needs to be President of the United States, the man you need to vote for on November 4th, John McCain.
Sen Charles Hagel, Sen Elizabeth Dole, Sen John McCain, and Sen John Sununu co-sponsored a bill for reform.
Here is the text available via govtrack.us of John McCain's introduction; please note highlighted portions
John McCain :"Mr. President, this week Fannie Mae's regulator reported that the company's quarterly reports of profit growth over the past few years were "illusions deliberately and systematically created" by the company's senior management, which resulted in a $10.6 billion accounting scandal.
The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's report goes on to say that Fannie Mae employees deliberately and intentionally manipulated financial reports to hit earnings targets in order to trigger bonuses for senior executives. In the case of Franklin Raines, Fannie Mae's former chief executive officer, OFHEO's report shows that over half of Mr. Raines' compensation for the 6 years through 2003 was directly tied to meeting earnings targets. The report of financial misconduct at Fannie Mae echoes the deeply troubling $5 billion profit restatement at Freddie Mac.
The OFHEO report also states that Fannie Mae used its political power to lobby Congress in an effort to interfere with the regulator's examination of the company's accounting problems. This report comes some weeks after Freddie Mac paid a record $3.8 million fine in a settlement with the Federal Election Commission and restated lobbying disclosure reports from 2004 to 2005. These are entities that have demonstrated over and over again that they are deeply in need of reform.
For years I have been concerned about the regulatory structure that governs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac--known as Government-sponsored entities or GSEs--and the sheer magnitude of these companies and the role they play in the housing market. OFHEO's report this week does nothing to ease these concerns. In fact, the report does quite the contrary. OFHEO's report solidifies my view that the GSEs need to be reformed without delay.
Quick Info
S. 190 [109th]: Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005
Last Action: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Status: Dead
I join as a cosponsor of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005, S. 190, to underscore my support for quick passage of GSE regulatory reform legislation. If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole.
I urge my colleagues to support swift action on this GSE reform legislation."
So... Mr. Obama... what was that you said about John McCain being partially responsible for this crisis? Ms. Pelosi, I don't see any democrats co-sponsoring this bill??
Facts are facts people. Don't let the media spin fool you.
A Letter From The People
This is an email one of my co-workers, that I have great respect and admiration for, sent to Nancy Pelosi. I hope more of you will take the initiative. And thanks to him, you won't need to search for her email address.
"From: Senseless Jewels friend
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 4:09 PM
To: Nancy Pelosi (nancy@mail.house.gov)
Subject: SAD SAD SAD
What else can be said about Speaker Pelosi but SAD, SAD, SAD! It is amazing that she thinks the American people are so stupid, or worse yet idiots, and will believe whatever she and others say to us. Does she really think that we believe the financial mess is all the Republicans fault? If it were not for the actions of Ms Pelosi, Barney Frank, Harry Reid and Chris Dodd we would not be in this terrible mess. Shame on all of you! I join the millions of Americans who are furious with you! Resign the Congress and go home to San Francisco! RESIGNATIONS: that is what the American people deserve from all four of you – Pelosi, Frank, Reid and Dodd."
AGREED
"From: Senseless Jewels friend
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 4:09 PM
To: Nancy Pelosi (nancy@mail.house.gov)
Subject: SAD SAD SAD
What else can be said about Speaker Pelosi but SAD, SAD, SAD! It is amazing that she thinks the American people are so stupid, or worse yet idiots, and will believe whatever she and others say to us. Does she really think that we believe the financial mess is all the Republicans fault? If it were not for the actions of Ms Pelosi, Barney Frank, Harry Reid and Chris Dodd we would not be in this terrible mess. Shame on all of you! I join the millions of Americans who are furious with you! Resign the Congress and go home to San Francisco! RESIGNATIONS: that is what the American people deserve from all four of you – Pelosi, Frank, Reid and Dodd."
AGREED
Monday, September 29, 2008
Democrats Fannie and Freddie Cover Up
This is a video my friend Victoria posted recently on her facebook. Hard to ignore this.
My own personal "fact check";
There was a moment I found both touching, yet unsettling in Friday’s debate. John McCain, when attacked on the war in Iraq mentioned he was wearing a bracelet for Cpl Matthew Stanley, who lost his life in Iraq. Not to be outdone, Obama reversed to school yard antics and displayed his own soldier’s bracelet for Sergeant Ryan David Jopek.
Now, there are reports (I’d say “breaking news”, but we all know what a joke that would be), hidden deeply and not discussed by our “media”, that this was not a decision supported by Jopek’s family. The mother had emailed Barack Obama to not publicly discuss her son, as the father would later discuss in a radio interview.
“Shockingly, however, Madison resident Brian Jopek, the father of Ryan Jopek, the young soldier who tragically lost his life to a roadside bomb in 2006, recently said on a Wisconsin Public Radio show that his family had asked Barack Obama to stop wearing the bracelet with his son's name on it. Yet Obama continues to do so despite the wishes of the family.”
That interviewed where these statements of Mr. Jopek were heard in APRIL, .. I’m sorry.. so the debate took place in September.. maybe Mr. Obama hasn’t had time to get to his email.
One of Obama’s aides was on FOX news (the only media outlet readily reporting this story), this morning saying that FOXnews didn’t have their facts straight “as always” and should read the AP report. Here’s how that turned out;
“This afternoon the Associated Press was at last able to contact Tracy Jopek, mother of Sergeant Ryan David Jopek, the KIA soldier on the bracelet that Barack Obama is using on the campaign trail. Ryan's Mother is confirming that she gave the bracelet to Mr. Obama, but is also confirming that she asked him to stop using her son's name on the campaign.”
Maybe the AP reports are the ones that need to be “fact checked.”
“But, we have another little mystery with these AP reports. The original headline for this report was "Soldier's mother 'ecstatic' about Obama's bracelet," released at about 7PM the evening of the 28th. But a few hours later, the AP changed it to "Soldier's mom defends Obama's mention of bracelet."
Apparently, Jopek's mother did NOT say she was "ecstatic" about Obama continuing to use her son's name on the campaign trail even after she told him to stop. The AP had to change its headline to reflect the truth.
The fact remains, the woman has repeated that she asked Obama not to mention her son on the campaign trail and this AP report confirms that. Will Obama stop using her son, now that we are sure she said she wanted him to stop?”
Now, there are reports (I’d say “breaking news”, but we all know what a joke that would be), hidden deeply and not discussed by our “media”, that this was not a decision supported by Jopek’s family. The mother had emailed Barack Obama to not publicly discuss her son, as the father would later discuss in a radio interview.
“Shockingly, however, Madison resident Brian Jopek, the father of Ryan Jopek, the young soldier who tragically lost his life to a roadside bomb in 2006, recently said on a Wisconsin Public Radio show that his family had asked Barack Obama to stop wearing the bracelet with his son's name on it. Yet Obama continues to do so despite the wishes of the family.”
That interviewed where these statements of Mr. Jopek were heard in APRIL, .. I’m sorry.. so the debate took place in September.. maybe Mr. Obama hasn’t had time to get to his email.
One of Obama’s aides was on FOX news (the only media outlet readily reporting this story), this morning saying that FOXnews didn’t have their facts straight “as always” and should read the AP report. Here’s how that turned out;
“This afternoon the Associated Press was at last able to contact Tracy Jopek, mother of Sergeant Ryan David Jopek, the KIA soldier on the bracelet that Barack Obama is using on the campaign trail. Ryan's Mother is confirming that she gave the bracelet to Mr. Obama, but is also confirming that she asked him to stop using her son's name on the campaign.”
Maybe the AP reports are the ones that need to be “fact checked.”
“But, we have another little mystery with these AP reports. The original headline for this report was "Soldier's mother 'ecstatic' about Obama's bracelet," released at about 7PM the evening of the 28th. But a few hours later, the AP changed it to "Soldier's mom defends Obama's mention of bracelet."
Apparently, Jopek's mother did NOT say she was "ecstatic" about Obama continuing to use her son's name on the campaign trail even after she told him to stop. The AP had to change its headline to reflect the truth.
The fact remains, the woman has repeated that she asked Obama not to mention her son on the campaign trail and this AP report confirms that. Will Obama stop using her son, now that we are sure she said she wanted him to stop?”
Read article in it’s entirety here:
My Dad - Still the Genius
I was talking on the phone to my father yesterday, concerning the election and the candidates, the media bias, etc. After watching the debate on Friday night, while I did not think it was a "take away" win for either candidate, I certainly didn't think Obama performed "well."
I asked my Dad, "how in the world are people believing CNN and MSNBC's spin on this? How can anyone just take this spin at face value"
To which my ever brilliant father replied;
"No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American People"
I asked my Dad, "how in the world are people believing CNN and MSNBC's spin on this? How can anyone just take this spin at face value"
To which my ever brilliant father replied;
"No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American People"
Friday, September 26, 2008
Fine Print in the Democrats "Bailout re-write"
Is the media going to let this one go too? Are we, the American people, so naive and blind to the actions going on on Capitol Hill that we just accept what we are told?
I'm not one to quote music but I am thinking of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change"
"When you trust the television,
what you get is what you got,
cause when they own the information,
oh, they can bend it all they want"
WAKE UP!!!
The Democrats coming back with a small "re-write" to Bush's bail out proposal has one tricky little sentence that for some reason, the media seems to be "skimming" over.
“Directs a certain percentage of future profits to the Affordable Housing Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund to meet America’s housing needs.”
What does this mean? What are the democrats trying to pull? well - They want it funneled to left-wing groups like ACORN, under investigation for voter fraud. In the midst of crisis, they still have their slimy hands in the cookie jar that got us here.
ACORN ( The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now). "They have been caught turning in hundreds of thousands of fake voter registration cards in an effort to stuff ballot boxes with fake voters and pump up Democrat vote totals."
Information found at :http://www.stoptheaclu.com/archives/2008/09/26/dems-bailout-proposal-redirects-paulsons-profits-to-left-wing-groups/
I'm not one to quote music but I am thinking of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change"
"When you trust the television,
what you get is what you got,
cause when they own the information,
oh, they can bend it all they want"
WAKE UP!!!
The Democrats coming back with a small "re-write" to Bush's bail out proposal has one tricky little sentence that for some reason, the media seems to be "skimming" over.
“Directs a certain percentage of future profits to the Affordable Housing Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund to meet America’s housing needs.”
What does this mean? What are the democrats trying to pull? well - They want it funneled to left-wing groups like ACORN, under investigation for voter fraud. In the midst of crisis, they still have their slimy hands in the cookie jar that got us here.
ACORN ( The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now). "They have been caught turning in hundreds of thousands of fake voter registration cards in an effort to stuff ballot boxes with fake voters and pump up Democrat vote totals."
Information found at :http://www.stoptheaclu.com/archives/2008/09/26/dems-bailout-proposal-redirects-paulsons-profits-to-left-wing-groups/
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Red (or should I say Pink?) Flag People!!!!
If I, a 26 year old in Texas, can find all of these FACTS readily available, where the hell is the media? I'll tell you where, they are up Obama's you-know-what.
New article to check out. One of Obama's "bundlers", someone who collects money for his campaign, and a co-founder of the awful "Codepink" raised between $50,000-$100,000 for his campaign. And guess where she was Wednesday night? With the leader of Iran, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, that's where. The woman who said THIS about the 9/11 horrifying attacks ;
Jodie Evans:"We were attacked because we were in Saudi Arabia, that was the message of Osama, was that because we had our bases in the Middle East, he attacked the United States.”
Paul A. Ibbetson: “Do you think that’s a valid argument?”
Evans: “Sure. Why do we have bases in the Middle East? We totally violated the rights of that country. Why do we get to have bases in the Middle East?” Also in that interview, Evans said Code Pink’s goal is to “undermine the war effort (of the United States") and that she wished Saddam Hussein was still in power.
Did I mention Ole Jodie and Obama are "buds" ??
Check out the complete article here
Frightening stuff people, frightening stuff.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
All you have to do is look...
I am appalled by the Main Stream Media. I guess they want our country to be in jeopardy, that is, after all, how they will make more money as the people will be more dependent on them. This article scares the crap out of me. It's amazing how people are being flown to Alaska to look under every housemat of Palin's, yet no one is reporting the scary facts that this reporter found in the Ilinois public library. I fear and pray for our great country daily. Entire article here http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122212856075765367.html Here are some excerpts;
Obama and Ayers Pushed Radicalism On Schools
By STANLEY KURTZ
"Despite having authored two autobiographies, Barack Obama has never written about his most important executive experience. From 1995 to 1999, he led an education foundation called the Chicago Annenberg Challenge (CAC), and remained on the board until 2001. The group poured more than $100 million into the hands of community organizers and radical education activists."
"The CAC was the brainchild of Bill Ayers, a founder of the Weather Underground in the 1960s. Among other feats, Mr. Ayers and his cohorts bombed the Pentagon, and he has never expressed regret for his actions. Barack Obama's first run for the Illinois State Senate was launched at a 1995 gathering at Mr. Ayers's home.
The Obama campaign has struggled to downplay that association. Last April, Sen. Obama dismissed Mr. Ayers as just "a guy who lives in my neighborhood," and "not somebody who I exchange ideas with on a regular basis." Yet documents in the CAC archives make clear that Mr. Ayers and Mr. Obama were partners in the CAC. Those archives are housed in the Richard J. Daley Library at the University of Illinois at Chicago and I've recently spent days looking through them."
. Ayers is the founder of the "small schools" movement (heavily funded by CAC), in which individual schools built around specific political themes push students to "confront issues of inequity, war, and violence."
"The Obama campaign has cried foul when Bill Ayers comes up, claiming "guilt by association." Yet the issue here isn't guilt by association; it's guilt by participation. As CAC chairman, Mr. Obama was lending moral and financial support to Mr. Ayers and his radical circle. That is a story even if Mr. Ayers had never planted a single bomb 40 years ago."
Obama and Ayers Pushed Radicalism On Schools
By STANLEY KURTZ
"Despite having authored two autobiographies, Barack Obama has never written about his most important executive experience. From 1995 to 1999, he led an education foundation called the Chicago Annenberg Challenge (CAC), and remained on the board until 2001. The group poured more than $100 million into the hands of community organizers and radical education activists."
"The CAC was the brainchild of Bill Ayers, a founder of the Weather Underground in the 1960s. Among other feats, Mr. Ayers and his cohorts bombed the Pentagon, and he has never expressed regret for his actions. Barack Obama's first run for the Illinois State Senate was launched at a 1995 gathering at Mr. Ayers's home.
The Obama campaign has struggled to downplay that association. Last April, Sen. Obama dismissed Mr. Ayers as just "a guy who lives in my neighborhood," and "not somebody who I exchange ideas with on a regular basis." Yet documents in the CAC archives make clear that Mr. Ayers and Mr. Obama were partners in the CAC. Those archives are housed in the Richard J. Daley Library at the University of Illinois at Chicago and I've recently spent days looking through them."
. Ayers is the founder of the "small schools" movement (heavily funded by CAC), in which individual schools built around specific political themes push students to "confront issues of inequity, war, and violence."
"The Obama campaign has cried foul when Bill Ayers comes up, claiming "guilt by association." Yet the issue here isn't guilt by association; it's guilt by participation. As CAC chairman, Mr. Obama was lending moral and financial support to Mr. Ayers and his radical circle. That is a story even if Mr. Ayers had never planted a single bomb 40 years ago."
Monday, September 22, 2008
Creepy McCreeperson Update
The super creepy guy… who is .. MY NEIGHBOR (yea..awesome..) has come over twice and knocked on my door. Once within ONE MINUTE (yep 60 seconds) of me arriving home from work. Nothing like being a prisoner in your own home, apparently he has a straight view of my car and sidewalk, fabulous.
Now – I must say I am a little perturbed when I tell people he came to my door.. people who KNOW me, and ask the question “What did he say?” Really people? REALLY?!?! How stupid am I? Well he said that he was just a nice guy and then I invited him in for wine... HELLO!!!!!! I didn’t open the door!! Give me some credit.. I watch Law and Order.
Eventually one of our HOA members went and told him that my (fictional) boyfriend was upset and that he should leave me alone. Apparently creepy guy wanted to apologize to me, to which the HOA member said “I think it’s better if you don’t.”
So I am on Day 3 of no stalker sights or notes and tonight – my neighbor(my friend – not the crazy one) are hanging up some privacy curtains just in time for the new season of Law and Order. There will be no episode based on this true story.
Now – I must say I am a little perturbed when I tell people he came to my door.. people who KNOW me, and ask the question “What did he say?” Really people? REALLY?!?! How stupid am I? Well he said that he was just a nice guy and then I invited him in for wine... HELLO!!!!!! I didn’t open the door!! Give me some credit.. I watch Law and Order.
Eventually one of our HOA members went and told him that my (fictional) boyfriend was upset and that he should leave me alone. Apparently creepy guy wanted to apologize to me, to which the HOA member said “I think it’s better if you don’t.”
So I am on Day 3 of no stalker sights or notes and tonight – my neighbor(my friend – not the crazy one) are hanging up some privacy curtains just in time for the new season of Law and Order. There will be no episode based on this true story.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Creepy McCreeperson
This morning when I arrived at my car I found this note taped to the driver side window along with a long stem red rose. This is a copy, the font was all red with the handwritten portions being in Sharpie.
This is just plain scary. I may have to move. Any advice out there?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
I Never thought I'd Say....
I AGREE with Kid Rock... of all people. But I do, I really do, in this instance. The Hollywood Elite need to shut it or run for office themselves...
"I truly believe that people like myself, who are in a position of entertainers in the limelight, should keep their mouth shut on politics. Because at the end of the day, let me tell you what I 'm good at: I'm good at writing songs and singing. What I'm not educated in is the field of political science. And so for me to be sharing my views and influencing people of who I think they should be voting for … I think would be very irresponsible on my part. So I'll just keep my mouth shut on that. I think celebrity endorsements hurt politicians. Because as soon as somebody comes out for a politician, especially in Hollywood, when they all go, 'I'm voting for this guy!' — I go, 'That's not who I'm voting for!'
- Kid Rock
"I truly believe that people like myself, who are in a position of entertainers in the limelight, should keep their mouth shut on politics. Because at the end of the day, let me tell you what I 'm good at: I'm good at writing songs and singing. What I'm not educated in is the field of political science. And so for me to be sharing my views and influencing people of who I think they should be voting for … I think would be very irresponsible on my part. So I'll just keep my mouth shut on that. I think celebrity endorsements hurt politicians. Because as soon as somebody comes out for a politician, especially in Hollywood, when they all go, 'I'm voting for this guy!' — I go, 'That's not who I'm voting for!'
- Kid Rock
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Pajama Effect Part 2
It still haunts me - I thought I had escaped it, but it is still present. (For background please see blog, The Pajama Effect http://senselessjewels.blogspot.com/2008/05/pajama-effect.html)
I was running work errands, one of which requires me to get Starbuck's gift cards. Upon pulling into the parking lot I saw a familiar car.... RIGHT when I walked in the front door... there sat my good looking (actually been downgraded to decent to good looking but for sake of the story.....good looking will work) neighbor. We exchanged the "oh hey how are you" 's that one does and I went about my business.
On the way out I decided to talk about, as I was in my work attire, and for once NOT pajamas!! Wahoo! So after some fun, witty convo I go to walk out the door.....
And push the wrong side... that's right... typically you can't open doors when you push on the side they are freaking hinged to the doorway with...
Oi....
I was running work errands, one of which requires me to get Starbuck's gift cards. Upon pulling into the parking lot I saw a familiar car.... RIGHT when I walked in the front door... there sat my good looking (actually been downgraded to decent to good looking but for sake of the story.....good looking will work) neighbor. We exchanged the "oh hey how are you" 's that one does and I went about my business.
On the way out I decided to talk about, as I was in my work attire, and for once NOT pajamas!! Wahoo! So after some fun, witty convo I go to walk out the door.....
And push the wrong side... that's right... typically you can't open doors when you push on the side they are freaking hinged to the doorway with...
Oi....
Monday, September 8, 2008
This just in
It has been confirmed Barbra Streisand will perform at a fundraiser for Obama next week in California...
Reportedly she's opening with "Send In The Clowns"
Friday Night Craziness – and the bruises to prove it
Friday night was good times. I had some girlfriends over and we began with some wine, vodka, and cheese (aka the essentials). There was typical girl talk, music, etc.
Around 9:30 one of my friends thought it would be a good idea to go just put our feet in the pool… good in premise.. not so good in execution. As we ended up IN the pool, fully clothed, good times however… good times.
After bringing a good amount of the pool back to my condo I showered, and upon getting out made my dismount. That’s right. I flipped my head to put on the towel and continued in a full somersault into the bathtub.
I have a bump on my head along with a bruise or two, and have lost some respect for myself.. but I’d say all in all the somersault was ATLEAST a “9.2”, with room for improvement on the landing.
Around 9:30 one of my friends thought it would be a good idea to go just put our feet in the pool… good in premise.. not so good in execution. As we ended up IN the pool, fully clothed, good times however… good times.
After bringing a good amount of the pool back to my condo I showered, and upon getting out made my dismount. That’s right. I flipped my head to put on the towel and continued in a full somersault into the bathtub.
I have a bump on my head along with a bruise or two, and have lost some respect for myself.. but I’d say all in all the somersault was ATLEAST a “9.2”, with room for improvement on the landing.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Politics in the Media
Never have I been more aware of an election, and I believe the same can be said for a great deal of people in my age group. However, I am frustrated and tired of having to seek the facts and information on my own. What are reporters and the "American Broadcast Networks" for? Apparently they are merely there for personal commentaries and agendas, not to inform the American public. This is why I feel the need to search for the facts in black and white on my own accord.
I enjoy some commentaries, but only when they are addressed as such, and not hidden behind the veil of "breaking news." Gustav is news. The economy is news. Our military in Iraq is news. A 17 year old girl being pregnant that did not ask to be in the spotlight, is not news. People make mistakes, let those that haven't cast the first stone.
I really enjoyed this COMMENTARY I came upon by Peggy Noonan for the Wall Street Journal, favorite quote
"Dig deep into Sarah Palin, get all you can, talk to everybody, get every vote, every quote, tell us of her career and life, she may be the next vice president. But don't play games. And leave her kid alone, bitch."
It explores both sides, and is an enjoyable read.
http://online.wsj.com/article/declarations.html
I enjoy some commentaries, but only when they are addressed as such, and not hidden behind the veil of "breaking news." Gustav is news. The economy is news. Our military in Iraq is news. A 17 year old girl being pregnant that did not ask to be in the spotlight, is not news. People make mistakes, let those that haven't cast the first stone.
I really enjoyed this COMMENTARY I came upon by Peggy Noonan for the Wall Street Journal, favorite quote
"Dig deep into Sarah Palin, get all you can, talk to everybody, get every vote, every quote, tell us of her career and life, she may be the next vice president. But don't play games. And leave her kid alone, bitch."
It explores both sides, and is an enjoyable read.
http://online.wsj.com/article/declarations.html
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Not your average TP job...
I am impressed.
Christina and I were picking her dog up at her parents house and in her neighborhood, came across a great sign that kids today DO in fact finish what they started.
If this isn't completion and follow through I don't' know what is. A definite A for height and amount.
Job well done kids, job well done.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Awww... The Pressure
Never do I feel more pressure to be funny than when in the company of a child. Back in the day (which was a TUESday by the way...jk), I was a nanny. I remember one of the kids trying to upset me by telling me about their other babysitter. I was told "she's prettier than you", "she's cooler than you", and I just smiled and nodded. Then came the kicker "she's funnier than you."
WHOA. Ouch.
I love laughing with kids and making them laugh... with no other audience can you make such a large fool of yourself without the repercussions.
I recently had lunch with one of my dear friends and her son on her birthday. I love Zachary... not only because he's a great kid, but also because he informed me on Tuesday that "you're not old." Truer words have never been spoken. After his initial request that I draw with him... which resulted in his disappointment... as I am a horrid failure, he accepted my suggestion instead...
what do we do?... we Bust A Move.
WHOA. Ouch.
I love laughing with kids and making them laugh... with no other audience can you make such a large fool of yourself without the repercussions.
I recently had lunch with one of my dear friends and her son on her birthday. I love Zachary... not only because he's a great kid, but also because he informed me on Tuesday that "you're not old." Truer words have never been spoken. After his initial request that I draw with him... which resulted in his disappointment... as I am a horrid failure, he accepted my suggestion instead...
what do we do?... we Bust A Move.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Seattle Day 4
Day 4 began with a little thing we all know as a hangover. Once again Emily and I woke up early to get our free breakfast on and catch a peek or two of the Olympics. We both got our food and coffee and sat at a table in our sweats and flip-flops. (Please do note I said sweats…. In August…) Emily is talking away and looks at me smiling and says “Can you be a little more perky?”
To which my hungover grumpy self replied “can you be LESS.” And well, that was the end of our breakfast conversation.
After a much needed nap we walked the Redmond Farmer’s Market across from our hotel then met some others of the wedding party for their lunch. Then it was time to get ready for the big day. Michelle (not the bride, but one of her bridesmaids) offered to do my eye make up so I went to their room. After she was done I looked in the mirror and almost passed out. For those of you who know me I don’t wear an incredible amount of make up so this was a huge change, but it looked great and I owe her one! I LOVED the other bridesmaids, how could I not? We all have a great girl in common!
We then proceeded to the location to drink some champagne mid-afternoon. (Oh, and to help the bride get ready..haha). Michelle looked more radiant than I had ever seen her, and calmer too which I am impressed with. Then it was downstairs to take all the pictures. Now, I have never been in a wedding before so it felt very surreal to me. Seriously, it’s exactly like the movies. Exactly. More fun though =).
Of course, this being Seattle, it starts drizzling as we all walk down the aisle. Mid ceremony we are in a full fledged downpour which you could not help but laugh at. Besides, rain at weddings = good luck! I wish I remembered more of the ceremony – I remember hearing the tears in Michelle’s voice as she said her vows, and I didn’t know if I myself was crying or it was the rain! It was followed by some wonderful food and wine via the reception… of course the groomsmen ran off to buy hard liquor and Jack in the Box (picky eaters those boys), so until caught, the wedding party had a hide out with the vodka!
As Michelle and Evan were going to go off to their hotel for the night, the remaining party went back to the hotel, changed, and then hit up a local dive bar. If any of you know me, you know that I always adamantly refuse karaoke and do not participate. Usually my reply to you is “you can not possibly imagine.” Well now, fortunately or unfortunately.. I am not sure, I have photo proof. This my friends, is why I do not do karaoke. Because I’m so awesome I tend to make the other people look silly of course.
Let this photo pose as a lesson to you all. Although it is 1am at your current location, it is still 3am to your body… and you have been drinking starting with champagne at 3pm. People have cameras. You will not remember this in the morning. Aw forget it… VACATION!
And here is the karaoke group that closed down the bar… and by closed down I mean we were basically the only people there in the first place.
Best vacation I have had that I can recall.. and the best and most touching weekend to be a part of with a lifelong friend =)
To which my hungover grumpy self replied “can you be LESS.” And well, that was the end of our breakfast conversation.
After a much needed nap we walked the Redmond Farmer’s Market across from our hotel then met some others of the wedding party for their lunch. Then it was time to get ready for the big day. Michelle (not the bride, but one of her bridesmaids) offered to do my eye make up so I went to their room. After she was done I looked in the mirror and almost passed out. For those of you who know me I don’t wear an incredible amount of make up so this was a huge change, but it looked great and I owe her one! I LOVED the other bridesmaids, how could I not? We all have a great girl in common!
We then proceeded to the location to drink some champagne mid-afternoon. (Oh, and to help the bride get ready..haha). Michelle looked more radiant than I had ever seen her, and calmer too which I am impressed with. Then it was downstairs to take all the pictures. Now, I have never been in a wedding before so it felt very surreal to me. Seriously, it’s exactly like the movies. Exactly. More fun though =).
Of course, this being Seattle, it starts drizzling as we all walk down the aisle. Mid ceremony we are in a full fledged downpour which you could not help but laugh at. Besides, rain at weddings = good luck! I wish I remembered more of the ceremony – I remember hearing the tears in Michelle’s voice as she said her vows, and I didn’t know if I myself was crying or it was the rain! It was followed by some wonderful food and wine via the reception… of course the groomsmen ran off to buy hard liquor and Jack in the Box (picky eaters those boys), so until caught, the wedding party had a hide out with the vodka!
As Michelle and Evan were going to go off to their hotel for the night, the remaining party went back to the hotel, changed, and then hit up a local dive bar. If any of you know me, you know that I always adamantly refuse karaoke and do not participate. Usually my reply to you is “you can not possibly imagine.” Well now, fortunately or unfortunately.. I am not sure, I have photo proof. This my friends, is why I do not do karaoke. Because I’m so awesome I tend to make the other people look silly of course.
Let this photo pose as a lesson to you all. Although it is 1am at your current location, it is still 3am to your body… and you have been drinking starting with champagne at 3pm. People have cameras. You will not remember this in the morning. Aw forget it… VACATION!
And here is the karaoke group that closed down the bar… and by closed down I mean we were basically the only people there in the first place.
Best vacation I have had that I can recall.. and the best and most touching weekend to be a part of with a lifelong friend =)
Over a week later I present.... Seattle Day 3
My life has been a rollercoaster of craziness since returning from Washington, I haven’t been able to pause to wrap my head around it let along blog much. Seattle was such an amazing trip though, I couldn’t not fill you in on the remaining days!
Friday, the 8th, we woke up early to get at the Continental breakfast and get back to bed. Our new friends Flavia, Megan and Kristen were nice enough to invite us along with them to see the Chateau Ste Michelle Winery that was actually very near our hotel. We did a tasting of 4 great wines…
Friday, the 8th, we woke up early to get at the Continental breakfast and get back to bed. Our new friends Flavia, Megan and Kristen were nice enough to invite us along with them to see the Chateau Ste Michelle Winery that was actually very near our hotel. We did a tasting of 4 great wines…
Then took a short tour of the winery with the bottling and fermentation process, followed by another tasting! Wahoo!
The ladies and I then all proceeded to walk a ½ mile to the Red Hook Brewery. The tour wasn’t starting yet but we did partake in the 6 beer sampling they offered in the restaurant. Yummy! Emily and I then took a cab back to the hotel to get ready for the rehearsal dinner.
The rehearsal dinner was lots of fun with some great food in a great family friend of the groom’s backyard. It was beautiful, it’s hard not to fall in love with Seattle in the summer! Michelle presented her bridal party with Tiffany’s stem less wine glasses and a bottle of red (the woman knows me). There was lots of crying.. oh and Michelle got emotional too! (What can I say I was happy for her).
We then proceeded back to the groom’s family home and wedding location for some pre-wedding beer pong. And … true story, I had never played. First time… pretty tipsy.. please recall my day.. winery, brewery, open bar rehearsal dinner, beer pong… and on another time zone… it’s amazing I did it at all. However let me say… good game, everyone’s a winner.
Oh and there was also a rousing round of “Flippy Cup” before we all called it a night. Good Night Seattle!
Oh and there was also a rousing round of “Flippy Cup” before we all called it a night. Good Night Seattle! Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Good thing they are cute...
Ok the pups... Wilson has very little hair on his back legs and its been that way for awhile. I was hoping it was our short fight with fleas 6 weeks or so ago. I had them both at my parents in Dallas when I was in Seattle, when I got back Sunday (we flew in and out of DFW) I picked them up and drove back. Gracie threw up on the way back but I thought it was just car sickness. The next morning there was poop... if you can call it that.. EVERYWHERE... from both of them. Yuck. I took their food away, it continued ALL Day yesterday. So I took them to the VCA over here yesterday evening.
Wilson has a staph infection on his back legs so they had to give him a steroids shot. He and Gracie he BELIEVES both have a bacterial infection (which is what I thought), Gracie's is more advanced.
She was dehydrated and lethargic so they had to give her fluids. Then they gave her a shot for nausea so she could actually keep down the medicine he was going to give her. So he gave them a liquid I have to give them via syringe for 5 days each dog, and pills I have to shove down their throat... 2 different ones for each dog daily. Plus I had to go buy pepto and imodiom ad to give them and a special expensive shampoo for Wilson. And they couldn't eat until today. When they could only have white rice and ground turkey or beef.
$480 later... they seem to be better.. there was no poop on the floor when I went home for lunch, and I used my lunch hour to COOK my dogs HOT lunch before proceeding to rush to make myself a quick sandwich to bring back to the office and eat at my desk.....
Wilson has a staph infection on his back legs so they had to give him a steroids shot. He and Gracie he BELIEVES both have a bacterial infection (which is what I thought), Gracie's is more advanced.
She was dehydrated and lethargic so they had to give her fluids. Then they gave her a shot for nausea so she could actually keep down the medicine he was going to give her. So he gave them a liquid I have to give them via syringe for 5 days each dog, and pills I have to shove down their throat... 2 different ones for each dog daily. Plus I had to go buy pepto and imodiom ad to give them and a special expensive shampoo for Wilson. And they couldn't eat until today. When they could only have white rice and ground turkey or beef.$480 later... they seem to be better.. there was no poop on the floor when I went home for lunch, and I used my lunch hour to COOK my dogs HOT lunch before proceeding to rush to make myself a quick sandwich to bring back to the office and eat at my desk.....
For the love of the dogs.....
Friday, August 8, 2008
Seattle Day 2
We sat outside to be picked up and met two gentleman from Houston. Evan, Michelle and Naama arrived and we went to Pacific Place. From there we met all their Vegas friends who are fabulous.
We went to the famous Pike Place market for lunch... Some of the ladies met and got pictures with Gavin Rossdale. We then took the Bainbridge Ferry which was beautiful. There was some rocky water and Michelle and I were walking in zig zags.
After that all 15 of us walked to Safeco Stadium and watched the Seattle Mariners beat the Rays. All in sweaters... Beautiul weather. After checking into our next hotel we went with four of our new friends from Vegas to a local bar we could walk to. All ending at 130am Seattle time.
Today is day 3, more friends more fun!!!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Seattle arrival
Did I mention we're sitting outside at its 72 degrees??
I love vacation.
End
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
And it keeps on coming.....
So… while most of you got a kick out of it, apparently not everyone was a fan of last weeks blog. I received an anonymous text message today (mind you it’s not necessarily anonymous but I have deleted particular numbers from my phone and blocked a few email addresses from being able to reach me, as there is no need for them to.) The message stated
“You are one low class B (I will be a lady here and spare you the language) talking S about me and you don’t even know me.”
Now for the last time I will address this. First of all, no names are mentioned, if you see yourself in my own life lessons, learn from them and carry on. Second, I did not state anything that I did not witness; we should all laugh about this. I have done many ridiculous things in my day, many are documented here and there are more to come, no need for hatred or being crass.. And finally… in your best valley girl voice please repeat after me “That was SOOOOO five days ago.”
Moving on, I have had two dates with a nice guy these past few days. We’re talking paying, making plans, opening doors, etc… however I’m not sure what I think just yet… keeping the options out there. I’m still young, plenty of time.
Michelle, Emily and I have 3rd row tickets to see So You Think You Can Dance... things that are awesome.
Tomorrow I am leaving for Seattle, WA. It will be my first vacation in almost a year and I am VERY excited. One of my best friends is getting married and I intend to be a full fledged tourist in the days leading up to the wedding. I will try to attach a photo or two while I’m there, time permitting. I am also issuing an apology for any late night texts that may occur. Yesterday in Texas the heat index was 108, the high in Seattle today… 85, I’d be jealous too.
Today is my dogs 6th birthday! Yes I’m that girl, and I’m not ashamed. The more boys I meet the more I love my dogs. Happy Birthday Gracie!
I feel I should close with the photo of some recent good times. Friday I had some people over, the theme was "cheese is the beginning" for food options and “here’s vodka, find a mixer” for drinks, and it was fabulously good times. All week I had been saying “Friday, I’m doing a cannonball” so I feel that it is only necessary to share the fun photo. Good times at the pool… Or shall I say to those that comprehend…
“SHUTTIN IT DOOOOWWWWNNNN”
“You are one low class B (I will be a lady here and spare you the language) talking S about me and you don’t even know me.”
Now for the last time I will address this. First of all, no names are mentioned, if you see yourself in my own life lessons, learn from them and carry on. Second, I did not state anything that I did not witness; we should all laugh about this. I have done many ridiculous things in my day, many are documented here and there are more to come, no need for hatred or being crass.. And finally… in your best valley girl voice please repeat after me “That was SOOOOO five days ago.”
Moving on, I have had two dates with a nice guy these past few days. We’re talking paying, making plans, opening doors, etc… however I’m not sure what I think just yet… keeping the options out there. I’m still young, plenty of time.
Michelle, Emily and I have 3rd row tickets to see So You Think You Can Dance... things that are awesome.
Tomorrow I am leaving for Seattle, WA. It will be my first vacation in almost a year and I am VERY excited. One of my best friends is getting married and I intend to be a full fledged tourist in the days leading up to the wedding. I will try to attach a photo or two while I’m there, time permitting. I am also issuing an apology for any late night texts that may occur. Yesterday in Texas the heat index was 108, the high in Seattle today… 85, I’d be jealous too.
Today is my dogs 6th birthday! Yes I’m that girl, and I’m not ashamed. The more boys I meet the more I love my dogs. Happy Birthday Gracie!
I feel I should close with the photo of some recent good times. Friday I had some people over, the theme was "cheese is the beginning" for food options and “here’s vodka, find a mixer” for drinks, and it was fabulously good times. All week I had been saying “Friday, I’m doing a cannonball” so I feel that it is only necessary to share the fun photo. Good times at the pool… Or shall I say to those that comprehend…
“SHUTTIN IT DOOOOWWWWNNNN”
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