Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Brrrr.......

I am leaving for Ohio again today. I seriously think I could drive I-75 with my eyes closed. (okay, so maybe that would not be wise, but you get the idea!) I looked at the week's weather forecast. I'm leaving Tennessee's 45 degree high today, for Ohio's 25 degrees. Brrrrr....... I keep telling myself that our new house will be so toasty and warm. (Once we are in it!!!) This morning might be chilly but it is a lot nicer then the Noah's ark day we had the last time we left for Ohio. I'm getting so used to this 6 hour drive that it doesn't seem like anything anymore. Well, I better go. I've got a car to pack, and pets to feed, and dishes to wash, and....and....and.....

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Remember When?

Remember when you were young
and time seemed to drag on and on?
But as you got older
you blinked and time was gone?
The days turn into weeks
and weeks into a year...
Before you even knew it
the brand new year was here!

2008 will soon be history
and 2009 is yet a mystery.....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Monday, December 29, 2008

The Invisible Woman

Nicole Johnson says it so eloquently.....Haven't we all felt like this before? Many times we don't get the recognition for all the things we do for others....but God knows. He never misses anything that we say or do. Nothing is forgotten, nothing is too small for Him to notice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0

Friday, December 26, 2008

Thank You To The Soldiers

I just wanted to say thank you to all the soldiers out there. You that are stationed all over the world....You that are wishing your families back home a Merry Christmas. I know you miss your family and friends that are back in the States. Thank you not only for your service to our country but also for the personal sacrifice of being so far away from home and those that you love. Thank you. I appreciate you....and even though you aren't home for Christmas, you are not forgotten!

S--Strong
O--Opportunity
L--Love of Family and Country
D--Determination
I--Integrity
E--Endurance
R--Respect

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The Greatest Story Ever Told

Tonight Scott read the Christmas story from the book of Luke. I always love to listen to the Christmas story. He didn't stop there with the story that took place in Bethlehem, but continued to read about Christ's death at Calvary and His resurrection. You see the Christmas story is a wonderful story....but it is only the beginning. When Jesus came to this earth as God in the flesh, it was miraculous....but when he died 33 years later and was resurrected 3 days after that, that is what made the difference.That, my friends, is what CHANGED the world. God's plan was complete. Salvation, because of that, was now within humanities grasp. God loved us all so much! So as I sit and ponder what the shepherds must have felt so long ago on that dark middle eastern night, I'm reminded once again of the angels reply of, "Fear not! I bring you tidings of great joy...for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord. You will find him laying in a manger." All the multitudes of angels sang GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST! What a thrill it must have been to see that heavenly display! But greater still to go to the stable and to see the promised Messiah...the child that was the answer to all the prophecies.
As I think about that scene--my mind goes to the rest of the story as Scott read of Christ's death on the cross. When his last words were "it is finished." The chasm between us and God was bridged by Christ's death and resurrection. Now that is the greatest story ever told!

What Was That Sound?

I know it can't be good when I go to stretch in the morning and my leg creaks so much that it resembles the sound of someone breaking a dry twig. Was that me making that sound??? For crying out loud! Then I roll over in bed and my back seizes up....I just lay there thinking, "so this is what happens the year I turn 40. This is so not fair." It did not use to be this way. My body is not supposed to give up so quickly. I guess I need to give myself a pep talk. What happened? I finally manage to roll off the bed and hobble over to grab my robe. It will take me a good 5-10 minutes to really get moving. In the meantime I make my way to the kitchen (after my obligatory stop in the bathroom) to start the coffee and fix a little breakfast. I start to feel a little better. Outside it looks very cold and gray. The wind is blowing. At least I'm not out there...I'm nice and warm inside.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Doing A Whole Lot Of Nothing

Yesterday I took my life in my hands at the Walmart. (notice in the south we call it THE Walmart...not that it is the only one, but it is the one we are at so therefore it is THE Walmart) Shortly after my husband and I got married he made a comment about me saying THE Walmart. I told him after having lived in the south for over 20 years I decided to go with the flow..... I also said things like "I'm fixin' to go to THE Walmart." Now, fixin' means different things to different people, but as far as I can figure it translates as I'm getting ready to go and do something. Some prime examples of this verbiage are as follows: "I'm fixin' to leave for the store." , "I'm fixin' to get dinner ready." , or the ever popular, "I'm fixin' to get angry if you don't get moving!" (this said after waiting for ones teenagers to get out to the car so you can actually leave) I like the word fixin'. I will definitely keep this word in my repertoire.
Now having grown up in the mid-Atlantic state of Maryland I have a mixture of accent/drawl/slang. Growing up it mattered not what your gender was, everyone was "you guys". Down here in the south it is ya'll. I do not really say "ya'll" as I am deeply ingrained with "you guys". This causes some stares in my general direction....but stares have never really stopped me from anything. One just learns to smile and move along. (the gracious smile is something I learned in the south....also add a "well, bless your heart" and everything is forgiven.)
When I first moved to Tennessee in the mid 80's I was accused of talking way to fast. People couldn't understand me.....I needed to talk s-l-o-w-e-r. I got lots of chuckles when I said "on"...as in "turn on the lights." I was told I was saying, "oi-n".... To this day I still get laughs at my Maryland accent. I have given in and learned to add more syllables to words to make them longer....even if they are short words. In the south it just works.
Please, my accent is nothing compared to my Georgia friends. One day my friend asked me for a Coke. I assumed she meant Coca Cola you know the classic?? Well, no she didn't mean that at all. She wanted another type of soda entirely. I said, "you asked for a Coke". She said, "a Coke is generic for any type of soda." Well, that is just stupid. How am I supposed to figure that out? To which she replied, "duh. Everyone knows that is how it is." Uh...not me. Another friend from Atlanta told me that his milk was "runt", when we were having breakfast one day. I said, "runt?". How can milk be a runt? After much back and forth I finally figured out he meant ruined. His milk had gone bad. Hallejuah! I felt like I had just won Jeopardy. Woo hoo. I figured it out!!!!
Now, I'm getting ready to move to Ohio. I think they call soda, pop. I'm not really sure about all the language peculiarities in the midwest....but I'm fixin' to find out! I will be a mix of mid-Atlantic, southern and now mid western accents. I consider my accent to be flavorful and interesting. I'm going with that:)

Monday, December 22, 2008

A Love Hate Relationship With A Store

Yes, I'm talking about Walmart AGAIN. I know Walmart makes excellent fodder for by blog. I can't help it there is always something going on at Walmart. The good, the bad, and often times the ugly.
I just got back to TN. from OH. yesterday evening. I was FORCED to go to Walmart today...well, if I expected my family to eat, or have any food "treats" for Christmas.
Now, today just a few short days until Christmas the store is like a bee hive. People everywhere...and I do mean everywhere! I had approximately 5 tons of food in my cart, and wouldn't you know I'd have the squeaky cart with the one wheel that wobbles?? I'm attempting to "drive" the cart without having a serious accident in the middle of the frozen food aisle. A rather large man was right in the middle of the aisle. He wasn't budging. (Hello!!) I couldn't get around him with my load of groceries in tow. For one split second I had an evil thought of rear ending him with my cart. I figured if I got enough momentum I could shove him clear into the fish sticks. Calm down. I didn't actually do it. I SAID it was only a brief, fleeting thought. I wonder if there is such a thing as grocery aisle rage?? Kind of like road rage, only with a grocery cart? If so, I might require some therapy.
After schelpping (I'm not sure how to spell that) all over the store I finally got to the check out. By this time I had worked up a sweat. (I still had on my winter coat and sweater--which if I had any sense I would have taken off in the store, the coat, not my sweater!) I'm slinging groceries on the conveyor belt just wanting to be done with it all when I realize that I forgot crackers!! I had the sharp cheddar cheese ball for snacking but no crackers. There was no way I was going back for them, I had already gotten to the finish line. Arrggghhh! I guess the family was just gonna have to eat the cheese straight up. This is so the story of my life. Just when I think I've got it all together....and Wham! I forget the crackers.
You know what this means don't you? I'm going to have to drag myself back to Walmart on a cracker run. Ugh.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Saying Goodbye

No, I don't necessarily agree with every thing that President Bush did or said, but overall I like him. I think as history gets written he will be seen as a good president, one with principles and character. He showed integrity and grit even in the presence of his accusers. I think we as American citizens owe him a huge debt of gratitude for not allowing anymore attacks on our home soil since the devastation of 9/11. I think many people have already chosen to forget just how terrible that was....some years pass and people forget....they take our safety for granted. We need to be forever vigilant because that is the sort of world we live in now. I agree with President Bush that politics goes in cycles.....so we conservatives just need to hang on for the next four years. It won't last forever.
I read the following article this morning on Drudge:


President George W. Bush speaking to U.S. troops in Baghdad last Sunday. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
Bush reflects on White House days
By David Stout
Published: December 19, 2008


WASHINGTON: President George W. Bush shared some bittersweet reflections as he looked back fondly on his White House days but regretted his inability to win passage of immigration legislation and to change the tone of debate in the capital.

"Reflections by a guy who's headed out of town," Bush called his musings in a question-and-answer session Thursday at the American Enterprise Institute.

"An old sage at 62," he said, "headed to retirement."

The president, who has described himself as uncomfortable with introspection, loosened up considerably before a friendly audience of conservatives. Better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all was a theme he embraced several times.

"One such problem was immigration reform," Bush said. "And in this case, I chose to put the spotlight directly on the issue by giving an Oval Office address. Obviously, we weren't successful about getting comprehensive immigration reform. Nevertheless, I feel good about having tried."

While he will miss many things about Washington, he won't miss "the petty name-calling," Bush said.

"I came with the idea of changing the tone in Washington, and frankly didn't do a very good job of it," he said. "You know, war brings out a lot of heated rhetoric and a lot of emotion. I fully understand that."

Bush reiterated his faith in freedom and in free markets, the current financial crisis notwithstanding. While he voiced his continued optimism about the American people, he said one of his "great fears" was that troubles overseas might tempt the country to revert to isolationism.

"The world needs America's involvement," he said. "We're a compassionate, decent, strong nation."

The president spoke about big issues (Iraq and tax policy, for instance) and not so big ones, like his relationship with the White House press corps.

"I don't like some of the things they say," Bush said. "Of course, they don't like some of the things I say. But we've had a good relationship."

A lot of spirited intramural debate preceded the 2007 increase of U.S. troops in Iraq, Bush said, observing that "creating tension is good for decision-making, so long as it doesn't become destructive."

When asked about President-elect Barack Obama's assertions that "Bush deregulation" had led to a culture of recklessness and greed on Wall Street, Bush said he was looking forward "to the true history of this financial crisis being written."

"Just some thoughts on this," Bush said. "The markets sometimes create excesses. We're living through the consequences of the excess.

"I quipped in Texas that Wall Street got drunk, and we got a hangover," he said.

But this, too, shall pass, Bush said of the current storm. When it does, he said, elected officials should remember that "markets and free enterprise is what made the country great," and that government's proper role is promoting entrepreneurship and prosperity, not getting deeply involved in the mortgage business or managing car companies. And, yes, he retains his faith in low taxes as the best economic stimulus of all.

Bush said the country "needs to overcome its fear about nuclear power" if Americans want to have all the electricity they will need and still protect the environment.

Bush implied that the harsh words of the presidential campaign were all but forgotten when he and Obama met in the Oval Office recently.

The departing president refused to say what advice he had given his successor but said they had chatted about something in common: "He's a dad who will have two daughters in the White House."

Bush, one of the least popular presidents in recent history, if public opinion polls are accurate, said the individual in the Oval Office is not that important: "Presidents will come and go with their strengths and weaknesses, but the ship of state sails on because of the institution being greater than the person."

Political conservatives who fear that the November elections banished them to the wilderness should take heart, Bush said.

"My point is that things go in cycles in politics," he said.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Twitter

I have recently gotten on Twitter. Twitter is a social network that involves messaging in real time. I'm really enjoying it. I have people I follow and there are people that follow me. I am on Twitters "Top Conservatives On Twitter" list. It is very interesting and quite addictive actually. I can get a feel for what is going on all over the country and even around the world. The internet truly is amazing. Who knew that I would be able to talk with people in far off countries or across time zones about politics, home schooling, being a mom, or just something I find funny? Pretty neat.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Global Warming

Listened to something last night about global warming. What a joke it is! I think most people would agree that it is cold and snowy in most parts of the country and it's not even officially winter yet. Long range forecasts are calling for bitter temperatures and snow in a large part of the country this winter. We went through a cycle of mild winters and temps for several years, now we are in the beginning of a colder more frigid cycle. That is just the way the earth works. Sorry Al, but your theory is bogus.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

God Have Mercy On Us All

This UN report sends chills down my spine. God help us all if it ever comes to this in the United States of America. "THE ONLY WAY FOR EVIL TO PREVAIL IS IF GOOD MEN DO NOTHING."




UN Report: Belgium
Posted by: Peter Kamakawiwoole on December 15th, 2008
Tag(s): Belgium • Country Reports • UN-CRC
Watching Out for Her Little Ones
Belgium and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Winter is finally upon us, ushering in the joys of the holidays and, at least for most of the country, the arrival of cold weather. As the temperature falls and the days get shorter, Moms and Dads brace themselves for the first signs of inevitable winter sicknesses: everything from a simple cough and cold to wheezing, strep, and the dreaded stomach flu. For many Americans, the solution to these illnesses is a simple medication, or perhaps vaccination in certain cases, but the choice of proper treatment is left to the parents.

Now imagine a place where the government threatens parents with fines, or even jail time, if they refuse to vaccinate their children - all in the name of “watching out” for the best interests of “its” children. Imagine a country that permits doctors to terminate the lives of “deficient” children up to a year old, even without parental consent, for the sake of “a better society”. To find such a place, you need look no further than the nation of Belgium.

This Won’t Hurt a Bit . . .

In March 2008, Belgium made international headlines when it sentenced two sets of Belgian parents to five months in prison, and fined them 4,100 euros ($8,000).1 The crime? Failing to vaccinate their children against polio. The government, hiding behind privacy laws, declined to comment on why the parents had refused the vaccine in the first place, or how long a reprieve they had been given in which to comply before going to jail.2

Unlike the United States, which allows most parents to refuse vaccinations based on religious or philosophical objections, Belgian parents can only opt-out of vaccinations if they can prove that their child might have a bad physical reaction to the vaccine.3 In the absence of such proof, Belgian parents have no choice but to either consent to vaccinations, or accept the criminal punishments that accompany refusal.

Monitoring Their Education

According to the United Nations, Belgium has the best education system among all developed nations
.4 The Belgian government is also deeply involved in education. Parents can place their children in community schools, or in public or private schools.5 Unlike their American counterparts, however, Belgium’s “private schools” are not strictly run by private individuals, but receive subsidies from the government, along with significant oversight from national and local education ministries.6 All schools - even within the home - are required to teach children “respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the cultural values of the child and others,” under Article 29 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.7 Public, private, and home schools are all inspected by the government to insure compliance, and disobedience could result in the children being placed in a school of the government’s choosing.8

Unfortunately, Belgians are discovering too late that it is difficult to rein in the government once it gains power in all schools. In September 2006, the town of Merchtem banned all persons in local schools from speaking French, even though the town is only nine miles from Brussels, a French-speaking metropolis.9 Anyone caught speaking anything other than Dutch on school premises - even parents picking up their children - is subject to reprimands.10 Parents are not even allowed to have parents’ meetings in their native language, but must use an interpreter instead.11

In 2008, the town of Liedekerke - also near Brussels - followed suit by banning French-speaking children from holiday outings.12 According to Marc Mertens, secretary of Liedekerke’s town council, public outings should have “a Dutch character,” and monitors should be able to “refuse children who ‘disturb’ the outings.” Of course, Mr. Mertens said, smiling, “one can understand ‘disturb’ in different ways.”13

Building a Better Society

The Belgian government’s authority over the health and education of its children is deemed by many as a mark of progress toward a “better society” where children’s rights are properly recognized and protected. Those that satisfy the government’s standards live in peace. For the rest, there is no peace, and sometimes, they are not even allowed to live.
Since 2002, Belgium has allowed doctors to terminate the lives of infants under the age of 12 months if they feel the baby is somehow disabled or deficient, and is likely to suffer in life as a result.14 More than half of the Belgian babies who die before they are a year old are killed by deliberate medical intervention.15 In 16% of cases, parental consent was not even considered.16 To put these numbers in perspective, the CIA World Fact Book estimates that roughly 106,000 babies are born in Belgium each year.17 Even using conservative estimates of Belgium’s rate of assisted-suicide in infants, one can estimate that some 470 children will die before they celebrate their first birthday. Of these 470, more than 200 will die not from natural causes, but from direct medical intervention. Forty (40) of them will die regardless of their parents’ wishes, objections, or pleadings. Such a program might produce a “better society,” but one is left in horror at the ultimate sacrifice of innocent babies.

Unfortunately, the program has been deemed so “successful” in Belgium that in March 2008, the government began considering legislation that would also make assisted-suicide available to teenagers and younger children who are terminally-ill.18

In Belgium’s Shadow

Although much of American society still largely resists government control of children and their families, shadows of Belgium’s pro-government approach are being cast upon our shores. In November 2007, parents in Prince George’s County, Maryland were shocked and outraged when they were ordered to take their children in for shots, or face fines and jail time.19 “Our goal is to get kids in school, not to put parents in jail,” said Glenn Ivey, the county’s attorney, “but if parents continue to be recalcitrant, they face up to 10 days in jail and a $50 a day fine.”

The drastic measures had parents and physicians up in arms. Dr. William Schaffner of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine described the county’s hard-nosed stance as “grabbing the parents by the collars and saying, ‘You must vaccinate your children.’”20 Dierdre Young, the mother of a high school freshman and junior, agreed: “What good are you going do if you lock up the parents? Then the parents can’t feed [their children]. They still can’t come to school. They still don’t have their shots. So what have you solved?”21

Someone in Belgium must have forgotten to ask that question.

Notes
1. Maria Cheng, “Parents may be jailed over vaccinations,” The Associated Press (March 12, 2008) (accessed 03 December 2008).
2. Cheng 2008.
3. Cheng 2008.
4. AngloInfo.com, “Education and Schooling in Belgium” (accessed 03 December 2008).
5. AngloInfo.com.
6. The United Nations Children’s Fund, “An overview of child well-being in rich countries: A comprehensive assessment of the lives and well-being of children and adolescents in the economically advanced nations,” Innocenti Report Cards, No. 7 (Jan. 2007): p. 34, 37. (accessed 03 December 2008).
7. Expatica.com, “Expats and home-schooling” (July 19, 2006)
(accessed 03 December 2008).
8. Expatica.com (2006).
9. BBC News, “Belgian town bans school French” (September 1, 2006) (accessed 03 December 2008).
10. BBC News (2006).
11. BBC News (2006).
12. Steven Erlanger, “Seams of Belgium’s Quilt Threaten to Burst,” New York Times (May 14, 2008) (accessed 03 December 2008)
13. Erlanger 2008.
14. Bruno Waterfield, “Teens need right to ‘medically assisted suicide’,” The Telegraph (UK) (March 26, 2008) (accessed 03 December 2008).
15. Waterfield 2008.
16. Waterfield 2008.
17. Central Intelligence Agency, “The World Fact Book: Belgium” (accessed 03 December 2008)
18. Waterfield 2008.
19. ABC News, “Md. Officials: Vaccinate Your Kids or Face Jail” (November 17, 2007) (accessed 03 December 2008).
20. ABC News 2007.
21. ABC News 2007.

Nanook Of The North

I know that whenever I'm up here in Ohio my blogs get a little sketchy. I usually don't have much time to blog because I'm busy "hanging out" with my husband over at our house site. Can I just tell you that it is crazy building a house in the winter in Ohio??? We don't have the heat yet and it's 20 degrees outside with 45 m.p.h gusts of wind. To say that it is cold is an understatement. Now, my readers in northern Michigan, or Canada are probably telling me to put a sock in it---that I don't have a clue about cold. Okay, already....I'm sure it could be colder but can I just say that when my extremities start turning blue and falling off that this is a sign that it is indeed cold?!
I had Scott take me to Walmart the other day to get a REAL hat. Not my cute knit girly hat that doesn't stay over my ears. I'm talkin' a warm, furry, insulated hat. Well, the women's section had NO real hats. Pretty, yes. Warm, no. So, off we trucked to the men's section. I don't care if I'm wearing a man hat as long as my ears are warm. I found a hat with furry ear flaps on it. It fit the bill. I'm all about having warm ears. I'm miserable if my ears are cold---so I don't really care if I look like Nanook of the North as long as I have toasty warm ears.
On a positive note...moving to Ohio will give me ample opportunity to wear all my nice warm sweaters. I love sweaters...and the truth is Tennessee never gave me a good chance to model my sweaters. It would be chilly in the morning and by afternoon I was boiling. Go figure. BUT here I will get my use out of my sweaters, I might even wear two sweaters at a time! (you know for that extra layering effect)
I've also come to truly appreciate hot liquids. Coffee, hot chocolate....something to warm hands and insides.
So, if you happen to ever be in Rushsylvania, Ohio in the winter and you see a lady wearing a furry ear flap hat, holding a hot chocolate.....that might just be me. Make sure to say hi....I might even share my hot chocolate with you:)

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Just My Luck

Well, the kids and I are to leave today, to drive to Ohio, after my son's orthodontist appointment. Now that wouldn't be so bad except for the fact that it is raining....and not just a drizzle. It is a full out Noah's Ark kind of a day. I keep looking out the window to see if the animals are walking off in pairs. Good grief. The kids and I are to load the car with our suitcases, toiletry bags, camera, computer bags, a game, the kids school books, our coats/hats/scarves, etc. etc. We are not what one would call "light" travelers. We are more like the "cram everything in the trunk but the kitchen sink" travelers.
Maybe God will do us a favor? Stop the rain for a brief window of time while we pack the car.....so we don't look like a family of drowned rats as we travel.
Okay. Enough of my complaining. If the fish can live like this, then I suppose I can too. Wish me luck. I'm getting ready to swim out to the car.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Another Incident At Walmart

I'm telling you what! Every time I go to Walmart something happens to me. I must have a big bulls eye painted on my forehead. I got what I needed at the store. I walked carefully towards my car. I managed to avoid all crazy holiday drivers. I got to my Camry and an SUV the size of Texas is parked next to me. He left me about 1 1/2 inches to open my drivers side door and exhale any bit of air I had in my lungs in order to squeeze in. You know the type...the guy that parks NOT in the middle of the parking spot, but right on the yellow line that divides the space. I guess when you have an SUV that size you take up A LOT of space. UGH!! Now, you might be saying why didn't you go around to the other side of the car and climb in? People. People. People. I don't relish the thought of squeezing in on that side either. Then I'd have to open the passenger door and climb over the seat--making sure not to get mud all over it, since it had rained all night and all day, straddling the gear shift and pitching forward, cracking my head on the rear view mirror and landing on the car horn on the steering wheel......
Not that I've ever done that, you understand, it's totally hypothetical. Don't laugh. I know you are.

So, on with my story.... After I finally got in my car and readjusted my ribcage I started to pull out very slowly. VERY slowly because I couldn't see around the huge honkin' SUV to my left. I creep out. I finally get half way into the aisle before I can see and there are no cars coming so I finish pulling out. As I come up the aisle I STOP. There in front of me wanting to make a turn in MY direction is a HUGE red fire truck. In the Walmart parking lot. So, I can't go forward and the driver of that big red truck for sure can't turn around so I start backing up....and backing up.....and backing up. The pickup truck that was directly behind in the aisle wasn't going to back up at first. HELLO. Do you see the big red truck???? Move it Buster or he's running us over. Well, we both did get backed up and the friendly, young fireman driving the truck waved at me. He probably hates the Walmart parking lot as much as I do.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I just heard that a woman in Wilmington, N.C doesn't want Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer sang at her child's Christmas program at school. She is claiming it is a religion based song and should not be sang in a public school. That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard! That song has nothing to do with the actual TRUE meaning of Christmas which is the birth of Jesus Christ. That is most definitely a secular Christmas song. Turns out this woman is Jewish and is probably miffed because she wanted a Jewish song sung at the program and it wasn't. The thing is Christmas is not a Jewish holiday.
I'm telling you what, our society has become terrible about suing if we don't get our way. "If I can't do it, then I'm going to make sure no one else can either" seems to be the motto. Sad, isn't it? I remember Christmas programs when I was in elementary school. We sang all sorts of Christmas songs. Gasp! We even sang religious Christmas songs like, Silent Night and God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman...and yes, I do remember singing a song about spinning a dreidel for those friends who were Jewish. I don't remember anyone getting in a tizz over that. I guess the people in the 70's (when I was in grade school) were a lot more sane then people are today.
Christmas has been more and more secularized as the years go on... Which is terribly sad to me. Christmas IS a religious holiday. Christmas IS the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is NOT a sin to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to someone instead of happy holidays. I am tired of all this "politically correct" mumbo jumbo.
Here is a short article by Michael Reagan about this same topic. Take time to read through it......and I wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

THE LAST WORD
"Christmas is once again upon us, and we can expect to witness countless new displays of the rampant secularization of what is meant to be a joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Frankly I'm fed up with seeing federal, state and local governments, local and nationwide chain stores, and even the White House -- which last year couldn't call their Christmas Party a Christmas party -- all of them giving in to the intimidation of a handful of secular progressives who loathe Christianity and any celebration associated with it. Despite the fact that close to 90 percent of all Americans are Christians -- and that along with Easter, Christmas is one of the two most sacred days in the Christian calendar -- we have allowed a tiny minority among us to turn Christ's birthday celebration into a secular holiday devoid of any religious significance whatsoever. Merely to greet another by saying 'Merry Christmas' is now deemed politically incorrect and potentially offensive to non-Christians, and is thus taboo. Pity the poor store employee who dares to greet customers with this traditional salutation instead of uttering the meaningless 'Happy Holiday.' Municipalities large and small tremble in fear of being charged with violating the hallowed creed of separation of church and state if they allow the erection of a crèche or Christmas tree on city property, or dare to call the tree anything other than a 'holiday' tree. Obviously, any mention of the holiday's correct title -- Christmas -- is absolutely verboten. It has long been clear that the sole official purpose of the so-called holiday season is to boost the economy with an orgy of buying Christmas presents from establishments which insult us by strenuously avoiding calling them Christmas gifts. ... Have a Merry Christmas. And don't be afraid to say that loud and clear to everyone."


--radio talk show host Michael Reagan

Monday, December 8, 2008

Winter In Ohio Poem

I found this poem about winter in Ohio and it cracked me up. Check it out. Is this what I have to look forward to as I get ready to move to Ohio...in the winter?!

Why???

This is from Gary Eubank's site. I blogged about Obama's birth certificate a few days ago......

Monday, December 08, 2008
Supreme Court DENIES Emergency stay of Electoral College in Donofrio vs Wells
The Supreme Court has denied to consider Donfrio vs Wells. the case requesting the Court to issue a stay of the Electoral College beyond December 15th. This is more troubling because the Court has not issued any comments to give anyone direction on how it might be changed to arouse their willingness to reconsider.

There are still a minimum of five other suits headed to the Supreme Court. More appear to headed that direction. This issue has always leaned toward an issue before the states and not the court, but I had really hoped the court would either at least consider the case or provide comments.. Perhaps one at the state level will accomplish what is needed. This is not the end for a fight regarding Obama's qualifications, it is just the beginning.

case is 08A407

Friday, December 5, 2008

Why doesn't he just show his birth certificate?

I'm sure most of you haven't heard the question about Barak Obama's birth certificate.  This is probably because the news media has a blackout on this.  This is a legitimate concern that a lot of people want a legitimate answer to, but Mr. Obama refuses to allow anyone to see his long form birth certificate. He has it  sealed along with any school records, name change paperwork... anything that would give a clue as to whether he truly is a natural born citizen...or not. Do you know that there have been SEVERAL cases in United States courts trying to get to the bottom of this?  Do you know that it  has gone to the Supreme Court of this great country?

This is not an unimportant question.  The answer to this question makes all the difference. For him. For us. For this country. Our founding fathers didn't make being a natural born citizen a necessary criteria to be a congressman, a governor, or many other political offices.  The president MUST be a natural born citizen. Period.  End of discussion.

Now if this were you or me, wouldn't we want to show our official birth certificate (not a copy) to PROVE that we were indeed natural born citizens? Well, wouldn't we? Of course we would! So why is he so secretive?

Look at these sites. This is real.

http://www.grassfire.net/r.asp?U=14221&CID=111&RID=18117554

http://www.garyeubanks.blogspot.com/

Bizzaro Dreams

Lately, I've been having some really strange dreams. Now, I've always had dreams and most of the time they are fairly vivid and most of the time I remember them.  The past several nights though it's been Alice In Wonderland kind of stuff. I think my mind has so much stuff in it right now that it is over loaded. With the holidays and all the shopping, the packing for the big move to Ohio, talking to Scott about the house we are building and all those details, plus the kids schooling, and just the everyday details of life and, well, my mind starts with the crazy dreams. You know something? Wouldn't it be funny if there was a way to record all our dreams? I don't mean a journal, I mean like DVD  movie record. Some of mine would be funny...like watching my childhood dog sing Happy Birthday to me....while sitting  on the top of my cake. (And NO...I was not under the influence of anything!)  Or they could be scary like the dream where I was standing in a field, but I couldn't run--and a tornado was coming right for me! Or just recently I was driving an old pickup truck with my husband as the passenger when my teeth just started to fall out. That was really creepy. I read that, that particular dream has something to do with how I feel about my appearance. That is true. I don't do my training/workouts like I used to and it shows. Ugh. That's going to change because  I don't want any more teeth falling out dreams. I woke up crying from that one.  It really freaked me out.  I do have "a thing" about my teeth. I'm really attached to them...and I plan for it to stay that way!

I do find it interesting how our subconscious mind figures things out while we sleep. How our dreams are usually connected to something that has to do with our waking moments. It's amazing how we are able to connect things of significance that are "filed away" in our brain. How our brains pulls it all together is beyond me.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

A Simple Life--Today






FOR TODAY (12/3/08)…
Outside my window….. the sun is shining, with a slight breeze blowing.
I am thinking… that I have a list of things to get done today.
I am thankful for… my hard working husband.
From the learning rooms…it is very quiet....lots of reading today:)
From the kitchen…I am going to make some cinnamon streusel.
I am wearing…a fluffy green bath robe. I've been awake for a long time, just not dressed.
I am creating…a good schedule/calendar.
I am going…to pack some more stuff.
I am reading…a book by Debbie Macomber entitled Where Angels Go.
I am hoping…that we get into our new house by the end of January. This was my wish the last time I did this and it continues to be my wish!
I am hearing…..the the TV news on in the background.
Around the house…it looks like a storage unit. Oh the joys of packing!
One of my favorite things…is snuggling in my new blanket.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Christmas shopping, packing, running errands.

From the Simple Woman’s Daybook—–

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/



Tuesday, December 2, 2008

20 Wishes

Yesterday evening I was emailing back and forth with my aunt. We were discussing books. I told her that I had started a new book by Debbie Macomber. She told me that she's read several of her books and she sent me a excerpt from one of the books about 20 wishes.

I found that book excerpt interesting. 20 wishes. What would my 20 wishes be? What 20 things would I want or want to  accomplish in order to make those 20 wishes come true? Seriously. Not just some flip thing where one writes downs I wish for a trillion dollars and to look like a super model. Those aren't wishes...those are fantasies. I mean real wishes.....things I could possibly accomplish if I set my mind to it.

What are your 20 wishes? What do you wish for in this life? How will you make them come true?

Monday, December 1, 2008

Once Upon A Time...

"A man is known by the books he reads."

"A room without books is like a body without a soul." --Cicero

"What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much, though." ---J.D Salinger

"An ordinary man can surround himself with books...and thence forward have at least one place in the world in which it is possible to be happy." ---Augustine Birrell

Those of you that are book enthusiasts....and life long readers will understand. I love my books. I read them, and many times I reread them. In some of my books I've highlighted passages that I don't want to forget. Yes, I admit sometimes when I don't have a bookmark I dog ear my books. (don't tell any librarians) I have books on everything. My interests have varied over the years and my books show that. Funny books, sad books, passionate books, old books and thought provoking books. To me the spoken word is powerful, but oh how much more powerful is the written word!  When words are written down they can be read over and over again.

Books take me to places I have never been, through time to places I've never known. My mind reads the details and creates wonderful word pictures. That is why books are almost always better then any movie ever made. It is difficult for even the best director to create characters and places that were first created in the imagination. They continue to try.

Call me crazy. Say I have a screw loose. I don't care.  I am most excited about the library in our soon to be finished new house. I've always wanted a library. Walls of  shelves, a big squishy chair (the kind one can curl up in) a cozy rug on the floor for laying on while pouring over big picture books. A quiet place in an otherwise loud and noisy house. My sanctuary.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Christmas is a bridge.
We need bridges as the river of time flows past.
Today's Christmas should mean creating happy hours for tomorrow and reliving those of yesterday.
~Gladys Tabor (Still Cove Journal)

Decorations are going up around town. The Victorian House tour is next week. Christmas movies are on the Hallmark channel 24 hrs. a day. Singing Christmas carols at church. Reading the Christmas story.


I love this time of year!

This year we won't really be decorating for Christmas...at least not like we normally do. Since we are in the process of moving we really can't pull out all the boxes of decorations. There is no room for the Christmas tree in a living room with our possessions stacked  everywhere. We are traveling back and forth from Tennessee to Ohio to work on our new house--not sure what days we'll be where during the month of December. This year Christmas will be crazy and out of the ordinary for us. We are calling it our "family adventure". Memories from Christmas '08 will be packed in our family's heart.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Black Friday Should Be Called "Crazies On The Loose"

Just the other day I blogged about the crazy holiday shoppers on the loose at Walmart. Well, I had no idea at the time just now certifiably insane people actually are! I saw on the news this morning that some poor Walmart worker got trampled by a frenzy of biserko shoppers. Now come on! Is there any sale that is so important that someone has to lose their life for it? How shocking, scary, awful!  Then as the day wore on I saw where two men had it out at the Toys R Us. Now those same two men are dead. Dead over toys????!!! Come on people no toy, gadget, gizmo is worth that. Wouldn't you hate standing at the pearly gates only to have the Lord say, " My son I love you, but bless your heart, you are an idiot. That thing-a-ma-jig was a stupid thing to lose your life over."

My husband and I did go out to Home Depot today. We stayed away from the craziness at the death trap mall. You better believe we stayed far away from Walmart! If anyone tried to run me over I'd have to go Chuck Norris on them. It would not make me a contender for the Happy Walmart Shopper of the year a happy holiday shopper. Scott and I spent our time at Home Depot or what we like to call our home away from home, looking at paneled bifold doors and toilets. Who knew how exciting that could be? I think having a house in the process of being built has altered what I consider a good time. haha.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Terror In India

Over a dozen terrorists strike in Mumbai, India. Well planned urban terrorism.  Four suspects killed and 9 arrested so far. Some still holed up inside the hotel.  Setting fires, taking hostages. Westerners targeted.

Scary, huh? Does the world just seem like it has gone crazy? I think so. It seems like it is only getting worse all over the  world. Countries around the globe besieged by fanatics, that are bent on terror and destruction.

Now I'm going to stick my neck out here.....I know that there are a lot of people out there that don't like President Bush....but I don't care. I think history will show us that President Bush was a good president--he has kept this country safe during his watch. We haven't had any more terrorists attacks on our own soil since 9/11 and for that I am grateful. Honestly, I am scared for what our future holds as far as terrorism goes. Obama already knows that he will be "tested". He knows that the eyes of the world are on him right now. I think there is a segment of people in this world that want to know just what he will do if they attack. Will he stand strong? Or will he cave? Will our country remain the "the land of the free and the home of the brave"? Or will we sadly become the land of the controlled and the home of the scared?

Look at this news story that I just now read...... Scary, indeed.

Sources: Al Qaeda Targets Amtrak N'east Corridor


Heightened Security Presence In Place At Penn Station; Attack Could Cripple Transit Between Boston, Washington


Cops, Feds Armed With M16s On Patrol For Forseeable Future


CBS News Interactive: America On Guard



NEW YORK (CBS) ― The world's economic fears were violently pushed aside on Wednesday by another global threat -- terrorism.

A massive coordinated attack was launched in Mumbai, India just hours after the FBI warned that Al Qaeda may be targeting New York's subways and railroads.

If Al Qaeda terrorists have their way there will be chaos and mayhem here this holiday season, a mass transit bomb plot that would probably affect all the subway and train lines at Penn and Grand Central stations.

"The threat is serious, the threat is significant, and it is plausible," said Congressman Peter King, R-Long Island, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee.

Uniformed officers, including this NYPD Counter Terrorism Squad members and Amtrak cops with M-16s, flooded Penn Station Wednesday after the FBI said it had received a "plausible but unsubstantiated" report that Al Qaeda operatives discussed a plan two months ago to bomb New York City's mass transit system.

The report said: "These discussions reportedly involved the use of suicide bombers or explosives placed on subway/passenger rail systems."

Sources told CBS 2 HD the plot involved the Long Island Rail Road. If the explosion went off in Penn Station, the source said, it would affect transportation of Amtrak's northeast corridor between Boston and Washington, LIRR service and New York City subway service.

"This is definitely linked to Al Qaeda and they had very significant details about exactly how they would carry out the attack, where they would carry it out -- that's what makes it sound so plausible," Rep. King said.

The NYPD and Metropolitan Transportation Authority said they were on high alert and adding extra manpower. Even before the threat became public Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said he was adding more cops.

"We always have to be concerned when we have large gatherings like on Thanksgiving," Kelly said. "We always have to have sufficient deployment of police officers."

New Yorkers had this reaction to the new threats.

"I've got to get on a train, but that's horrible," commuter Carolyn Tobin said. "I mean ... the memory ... but just like after 9/11, we just kept going on."

Added Ryan Barreiro: "I'm not too worried about it. That's exactly what they want. If they're gonna get you, they're gonna get you."

"I'm not afraid," Rick Hendrickson said. "I've lived here my whole life, in Manhattan, so has my wife and we just take life as it comes along."

Riders can expect a heightened law enforcement presence -- cops, federal agents, canine teams and inspectors.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Simple Life




FOR TODAY (11/25/08)…
Outside my window.....the trees are swaying back and forth as the wind blows.
I am thinking… that I have so much to do by Thursday!
I am thankful for… my health.
From the learning rooms…we are griping about our math today.
From the kitchen…I am getting all my ingredients ready to make an apple cake.
I am wearing…a turquoise colored sweater. It is very warm and cozy. I LOVE sweaters.
I am creating…a legacy.
I am going…to take my daughter to her well check up at the doctors office.
I am reading…a Christmas novel.
I am hoping…that we get into our new house by the end of January.
I am hearing…..the refrigerator hum.
Around the house…is chilly. I have the heat on, but it's still chilly.
One of my favorite things…is eating chocolate peanut butter ice cream.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Christmas shopping,  Visiting with family for Thanksgiving.

From the Simple Woman's Daybook-----

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Monday, November 24, 2008

Whew! It's Crazy Out There

I know my blogging has been kind of hit or miss lately. I apologize. I've just been extremely busy. Really. Half the time I don't even remember my own name. (Maybe I should start wearing a name tag...that might help.)

On Saturday we realized that we were out of cat litter, so you know what that means? Yes, another trip to Walmart. I had just gone on Thursday and had no desire to go back. It is crazy out there people! BUT when faced with the stinkiness possibilities of what would happen without the necessary cat litter I decided to venture back out into the foray.  I bribed um...suggested that the kids come with me. It would be our family outing for the day.

Now, normally Walmart is no big deal. Everybody "does" Walmart, right? RIGHT??!!! Stay focused people! Stick with the story. Walmart in November and December is my personal torture adventure. First of all I don't want to have to lug a thousand pound container of cat litter around so I grab a cart. Well, I say grab a cart but we all know how the carts are at this beloved place. The cart guy has smashed them together so tight that I practically need the jaws of life to pry them apart. After working up a sweat and running over my foot I managed to get a cart. This would have been fine had it not shot out from my yanking and pulling at NASCAR speed. I would have felt really badly if I had given the little old lady standing near me, a concussion when the rouge cart ran her over. As it was she gave me "the look". You know the evil eye mom look. Hey, she's just lucky she doesn't have tire tracks running down her front. Hmmpppffff!

So, now that I've got the cart we are off! My adrenaline has kicked in after the cart debacle. I look down the long main aisle. I see a mass of humanity before me. All of them running around like ants. My mission is to get to the pet section without any bodily harm accidents.  I am the queen of the obstacle course. I have been known to take the cart on two wheels if necessary. The Great Cart Crash of '04 doesn't count! At this point the kids pretend they don't know me....you think I let this phase me? NO. I just yell their name louder until they are forced to admit that I am indeed the one that they are riding home with. They have threatened to look into witness protection and relocation. I don't understand what their problem is.

When at Walmart one can never just buy the one thing she came for. Is that even possible? In the process of picking up a really snuggly blanket that is marked way down....what is wrong with it? a young child comes shootin' out of the aisle behind me. He is going 100 m.p.h. with his hair on fire. Not really people...that is an expression. Good grief! He whizzed by me so fast that he was just a blur. Where are his zoo keepers parents? You know if you knock a child down (even if you're just standing there and the little tazmanian devil runs into YOU) everyone will look at you like it's your fault. I kept my eyes open for little Taz just incase he decided to whip around the corner and nail me.

At this point I've lost my own children. They are too old to sit in the cart with me. (Fine, 13 is a little old for that....but maybe an electronic tracking device is in order?) While I am not looking for my kids I get side tracked in the toy aisle. I have always been the one who likes to push all the buttons that say TRY ME. I can't help it. Did you know that there is a baby doll now that brushes her teeth, pee pees in the potty among other things and then sings about it. I was listening to her for the fourth first time and was completely taken with her. I would have bought her for someone if she didn't cost a million forty bucks. As I came around the corner (always dangerous) I heard a loud roar. It was a dinosaur. A dinosaur that young children can ride. It moves. There is also a pony. I don't remember this kind of stuff when I was a kid. How unfair sweet!

I eventually find my children in the electronics department. Really, I knew that. They are always there. My son is being a rock star on Guitar Hero and my daughter is looking for a computer game. I tell them it is time to go. NOW. I can't take the noise, clutter, insanity holiday cheer any longer.

After making it through the check out line and safely through the parking lot we all get in the car. I start the car and begin to slowly back out. Just about the time I'm half way into the aisle a bright red SUV comes barreling  through the parking lot. He  just about takes the back end off of my car. My daughter yells, " that little boy in the SUV just flipped us off."  What can I say?  I tell her he obviously wasn't brought up very well and to just ignore his choice of communication.

I just love the torture holiday shopping frenzy.  Time to go home and stay there!!!!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Radical Rules or A Radical Rules?

Now, it is no secret that Obama read and implemented Saul Alinsky's rules while he was a community organizer in Chicago. (Same city that Alinsky called home)  I never knew what Alinsky's book Rules For Radicals, actually said. I've been doing some research and find his rules very interesting. I can see that Obama was an excellent student of Saul Alinsky's methods....I can see these "rules" all over the 2008 election. ------THE BOLD FACE TYPE IN THIS ARTICLE IS FROM ME-------- This is the man chosen as our president?

Alinsky's Rules for Radicals


By Craig Miyamoto, APR, Fellow PRSA





(This is an expanded version of the 2000 Third Quarter issue of Public Relations Strategies, a quarterly publication of Miyamoto Strategic Counsel)


To paraphrase some sage advice, "keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer." If your business or organization ever becomes a target of radical activists, it will be extremely helpful to know what strategies of attack will used against you. Short of having spies infiltrate their organization - a practice that is sure to be found out and exposed to your discredit - it would help to study their methods.

Known as the "father of modern American radicalism," Saul D. Alinsky (1909-1972) developed strategies and tactics that take the enormous, unfocused emotional energy of grassroots groups and transform it into effective anti-government and anti-corporate activism. Activist organizations teach his ideas widely taught today as a set of model behaviors, and they use these principles to create an emotional commitment to victory - no matter what.

Grassroots pressure on large organizations is reality, and there is every indication that it will grow. Because the conflicts manifest in high-profile public debate and often-panicked decision-making, studying Alinsky's rules will help organizations develop counteractive strategies that can level the playing field.

Governments and corporations have inherent weaknesses. And, time and again, they repeat mistakes that other large organizations have made, even repeating their OWN mistakes. Alinsky's out-of-print book - "Rules for Radicals" - illustrates why opposition groups take on large organizations with utter glee, and why these governments and corporations fail to win.

Large organizations have learned to stonewall and not empower activists. In other words, they try to ignore radical activists and are never as committed to victory as their opposition is committed to defeating them. Result? They are unprepared for the hailstorm of brutal tactics that severely damage their reputation and send them running with their tails between their legs.

Some of these rules are ruthless, but they work. Here are the rules to be aware of:
RULE 1: "Power is not only what you have, but what the enemy thinks you have." Power is derived from 2 main sources - money and people. "Have-Nots" must build power from flesh and blood. (These are two things of which there is a plentiful supply. Government and corporations always have a difficult time appealing to people, and usually do so almost exclusively with economic arguments.)

RULE 2: "Never go outside the expertise of your people." It results in confusion, fear and retreat. Feeling secure adds to the backbone of anyone. (Organizations under attack wonder why radicals don't address the "real" issues. This is why. They avoid things with which they have no knowledge.)

RULE 3: "Whenever possible, go outside the expertise of the enemy." Look for ways to increase insecurity, anxiety and uncertainty. (This happens all the time. Watch how many organizations under attack are blind-sided by seemingly irrelevant arguments that they are then forced to address.)

RULE 4: "Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules." If the rule is that every letter gets a reply, send 30,000 letters. You can kill them with this because no one can possibly obey all of their own rules. (This is a serious rule. The besieged entity's very credibility and reputation is at stake, because if activists catch it lying or not living up to its commitments, they can continue to chip away at the damage.)

RULE 5: "Ridicule is man's most potent weapon." There is no defense. It's irrational. It's infuriating. It also works as a key pressure point to force the enemy into concessions. (Pretty crude, rude and mean, huh? They want to create anger and fear.)

RULE 6: "A good tactic is one your people enjoy." They'll keep doing it without urging and come back to do more. They're doing their thing, and will even suggest better ones. (Radical activists, in this sense, are no different that any other human being. We all avoid "un-fun" activities, and but we revel at and enjoy the ones that work and bring results.)

RULE 7: "A tactic that drags on too long becomes a drag." Don't become old news. (Even radical activists get bored. So to keep them excited and involved, organizers are constantly coming up with new tactics.)

RULE 8: "Keep the pressure on. Never let up." Keep trying new things to keep the opposition off balance. As the opposition masters one approach, hit them from the flank with something new. (Attack, attack, attack from all sides, never giving the reeling organization a chance to rest, regroup, recover and re-strategize.)

RULE 9: "The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself." Imagination and ego can dream up many more consequences than any activist. (Perception is reality. Large organizations always prepare a worst-case scenario, something that may be furthest from the activists' minds. The upshot is that the organization will expend enormous time and energy, creating in its own collective mind the direst of conclusions. The possibilities can easily poison the mind and result in demoralization.)

RULE 10: "If you push a negative hard enough, it will push through and become a positive." Violence from the other side can win the public to your side because the public sympathizes with the underdog. (Unions used this tactic. Peaceful [albeit loud] demonstrations during the heyday of unions in the early to mid-20th Century incurred management's wrath, often in the form of violence that eventually brought public sympathy to their side.)

RULE 11: "The price of a successful attack is a constructive alternative." Never let the enemy score points because you're caught without a solution to the problem. (Old saw: If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Activist organizations have an agenda, and their strategy is to hold a place at the table, to be given a forum to wield their power. So, they have to have a compromise solution.)

RULE 12: Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it." Cut off the support network and isolate the target from sympathy. Go after people and not institutions; people hurt faster than institutions. (This is cruel, but very effective. Direct, personalized criticism and ridicule works.)

Friday, November 21, 2008

God Glitter

I know I've mentioned this before but I just can't help myself. The other night Scott and I (and the kids) had just gotten back from visiting in N.Y. We stopped by the house site in Ohio before going to the apartment. (I will be SO glad when we finally move, I'm tired of that little apt. and the traveling back and forth from our home in TN. to OH. Six hour drives seem VERY long!)

So anyway, I was standing outside. It was very cold and very crisp outside. Like freezing your ears and nose off kind of cold..... but I didn't care because I was completely mesmorized by the beautiful stars in the sky. I'm not kidding. I couldn't look away. I told Scott that I'd have moved out here just for this view at night. We are going to live in the country....no street lights....not many other houses.....It is really, really dark at night. When I stood out in what will be our front yard, I stared up into the heavens and it seemed to me that God had flung silver glitter as far as I could see. It was the most brilliant sight. All I could think about was, "Wow. Father Your work really is magnificant. Thank you so very much for this incredible beauty."

Living in the city for the past 16 years makes it difficult to really see the night sky. The lights interfere with truly being able to appreciate what is overhead. Ever since I was very young I've loved astronomy. I remember reading TIME magazine articles about scientist's latest discoveries. I'd pour over books about the planets and the solar system.....amazed by our Milky Way galaxy. I think for my birthday in the spring, I'm asking for a telescope. I'll spend many nights outside enjoying the night sky. That sounds good to me.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore

I just finished watching The Bishop's Wife. The 1947 movie starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven.  It is one of my favorite Christmas movies, along with White Christmas and Holiday Inn.

Hollywood just doesn't make good (as in timeless) movies anymore. Back then the men wore suits, the ladies wore pretty hats. Men treated the ladies like ladies and it wasn't unheard of to show husbands and wives loving each other, and families getting along. God is mentioned and it isn't in a derogatory manner. What a quaint idea by today's standards.

I enjoy watching the classics. The old black and white movies. The remakes are nice, but they are never as good as the real thing.

I love to watch Christmas movies.....and it is just getting ready to start! All the channels will have Christmas movies on. I can't wait! I'll spend several evenings over the next month, snuggled up in a blanket, maybe with some popcorn, watching the movies that make me smile and warm me ---no matter how cold it is outside.

Friday, November 14, 2008

One Day We'll Wake Up and Nothing Will Be The Same

I recently read an article about the UN's Childrens Rights Act provided by the Home School Legal Defense Association, of which I am a member. Since I am a reader, researcher, home schooler, parent, and all around curious person I did a little research of my own. What I learned is truly terrifying and should give all of us as parents pause to think. It matters not whether you choose to home school your children, it has to do with your rights and responsibilities as a parent to your children. Please read with your eyes wide open.

Here are some excerpts from HSLDA before I have you read what the UN has to say...............

What Can We Expect under
an Obama Administration?


We do know that the Democratic Party has an official position of supporting public education. The National Education Association (NEA), which is the national teachers union, is a major supporter of the Democratic Party. We KNOW that the NEA’s position is that every child should be either taught by a certified teacher or supervised by one. Additionally, their position is that the curriculum used by all homeschoolers should be approved BY THE STATE, and children should ONLY be able to continue to be homeschooled based upon systematic evaluation BY THE STATE.

It is important to remember that under the United States Constitution, the federal government has no authority over private and home education. This is not to say that they will not attempt to exercise authority in these areas. And whenever private educators accept grants and benefits, there are conditions to receiving those benefits, including being subject to regulation............

Now, for those of us that want LESS government, not more, that is of course bad enough.....BUT here is the thing that should put fear in every parents heart.
"An immediate concern to watch is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Although we do not know what Barack Obama’s specific position on the treaty is, we know that future Vice President Joe Biden has publicly indicated that this UN Convention should be ratified by the United States.

It does appear that we will soon have the challenge of keeping the UN Convention from being ratified by the U.S. Senate, ratification requiring a two-thirds majority to pass.

Should the UN Convention be ratified, it would impose the United Nation’s view of children’s rights on America. Under the U.S. Constitution, treaties become the Supreme Law of the land, taking precedent over state laws and state supreme court decisions.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is not in the best interest of parents or children, as it would undermine the parental authority that our laws currently recognize. For further information on the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child visit ParentalRights.org.

I suggest you go and check out those parental rights. See what the UN wants for our children...for parents to be nothing more then caregivers. That we as families would have state assigned "guardians" to watch over us and make sure we are doing the right thing for our children according to the state. As a mother, it breaks my heart to read what the UN considers in the best interest of the child. Will we as parents, grandparents, and family stand by while we lose our children to a secular and humanist world? Be vigilant, take the time to investigate for yourself, keep your eyes open. Sometimes the world draws a line in the sand....and there is a decision to make. The majority of the time "the world" is complacent. Apathy is a way of life. Don't be part of "the world". Stand firm and strong at that line in the sand.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Exactly!!

I like to read Dennis Prager's Column. I especially liked what he had to say today. This really sums up so much of what I feel. So instead of trying to put this all in my own words I hope that Mr. Prager won't mind if I just allow you to read what he has to say on the subject.

Some Positive Reactions from the Right--- by Dennis Prager

About The Author


Dennis Prager is a radio show host, contributing columnist for Townhall.com, and author of 4 books including Happiness Is a Serious Problem: A Human Nature Repair Manual.

I spent a good part of the past year speaking and writing against the election of Barack Obama. During the last week of the campaign, my Salem Radio Network colleagues, Hugh Hewitt and Michael Medved, and I spoke on behalf of the McCain-Palin ticket in the Battleground states of Colorado, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

One would expect that I would be devastated at Barack Obamas election -- as devastated as liberals were at the reelection of George W. Bush in 2004. I am not -- yet. Here are some reasons why:

1. Republicans won the election of 2004, an election that was more important to the future of America and the world than was this election. Had Sen. John Kerry won in 2004, America would have left Iraq in defeat and Islamists would have won their greatest victory ever. Millions of young Muslims would likely have seen in Islamic jihadism humanitys future and signed up for terror; and Iraq would have degenerated into genocidal chaos.

2. The election of a black president is good for blacks, good for whites, and therefore very good for America.

At least at this moment -- no one can predict the future -- many more blacks feel fully American, and fewer blacks regard white America as racist than ever before. One cannot attain a higher status than the American presidency, and a black man will now occupy that position. As the Hoover Institutions Shelby Steele wrote, this is the first time in history that a majority white nation elected a black as its leader.

Conservatives are not surprised. I have argued for decades that America is the least racist country in the world. By and large, only Americans on the right have believed, or at least had the courage to say, this. Now that fact is obvious to virtually anyone with eyes to see.

3. The Obama victory poses a serious challenge to liberalism and to the doctrine of black victimhood.

If fewer and fewer blacks perceive white Americans as racist, a major reason for black support for liberalism could lose its appeal to blacks. On the other hand, if liberalism continues to portray blacks as victims of white racism, more white Americans will regard liberalism as phony -- or worse, as stirring up racial tensions for political gain.

Most whites are tired of racial tension, tired of being portrayed as racist, tired of their children being taught in college that they are either consciously or unconsciously racist, tired of lowering standards for blacks or anyone else. Continued...

So the Obama victory puts liberals in a bind. They either acknowledge the reality of an essentially non-racist America and thereby alienate black and white liberals still committed to this proposition or they continue to play the America is racist card and alienate many whites.

The challenge the Obama victory poses to many blacks is that they will have to abandon ascribing black problems -- such as disproportionate amounts of violent crime and the highest rate of out-of-wedlock births in America -- to racism. Fewer and fewer white Americans will tolerate being blamed for problems within black life.

4. The Obama victory will bring clarity to Americas place in the world.

Now that America is apparently loved again, we shall see how this plays out beyond emotional rhetoric. Will Europe contribute significantly more troops to Afghanistan? Will Germany now allow its NATO troops to shoot at Taliban fighters (thus far they have been allowed to shoot only if shot at)? Will our allies and Russia and China place the needed sanctions on Iran to prevent it from developing a nuclear device? Or is Americas being loved irrelevant to how other countries behave?

5. Conservatives will be able to show how much more decently they act when they are out of power.

The treatment of President George W. Bush by liberals has been despicable, undeserved and unprecedented. We who oppose Barack Obamas policies will, hopefully, act in accordance with conservative values of decency. Hence my simple announcement on the day after the election: I did not vote for him. I did not want him to be president. But as of January 20, 2009, Barack Obama will be my president.

Barack Obama may have a successful presidency or a failed one. If he allows the left wing of the Democratic Party to set his agenda, it will be the latter. In the meantime, however, we can celebrate the aforementioned good of Barack Obamas election and pray for him and for our beloved country.

Simple Life

FOR TODAY (11/11/08)...
Outside my window...The sky is gray and cold.
I am thinking... that I am a very blessed woman.
I am thankful for... family.
From the learning rooms...we are taking a "vacation" break.
From the kitchen...my mother in law is fixing a big Thanksgiving style dinner.
I am wearing...a new blue sweater. It is very warm and cozy.
I am creating...memories.
I am going...wherever the family decides to go today.
I am reading...Breakthrough by Suzanne Somers.
I am hoping...that we will be able to get our house building finished by the end of this year.
I am hearing...my family talking.
Around the house...Molly the kitten is running around.
One of my favorite things...is reading a good book.
A few plans for the rest of the week:Visiting with family here in N.Y

Mention my blog and offer a link back to the main page of my blog. http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Step Back and Take A Deep Breath

I think it is pretty interesting listening to talk radio right now. Sean Hannity is starting the conservative underground. I guess those of us that are conservative republicans (as opposed to the more moderate republicans of the group) are going to have to just hang tough over the next 4 years. We might be down, but we are definitely not out.

I've already seen interviews and news clips of people who think that this presidency will issue "a free ride" for them.  Welfare, bailouts, moochers. Interesting. I think that there will be some disappointed people when things don't work out the way they assumed they would. Or if they do work out that way and a large population of our country keeps their hand out for more freebies.....then what will become of this country??

I really worry where this will all end up.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

So True...So True...

I am upset with the results of last nights election. My friend, Farrah, so eloquently wrote just what it is that I feel. I am going to share her words.

"Just because God works something out a certain way doesn't mean I need to be excited about it. If I see someone suffer, I'm not going to be happy about it even though I know it might be God's will. It might be punishment for sin. That's still not something to be happy about. Jesus wept. I can weep too. In the OT they asked for a king. God gave them a king and warned them of all the grief they would have. People wanted Obama and now they have him. We'll see how wonderful it is. I am tired of Christians trying to make me feel guilty for not rejoicing about the prospect of Obama winning. It doesn't mean I am not at peace or that I am not trusting God. I am sad for what might happen, but I know I have a home in heaven and that's what matters most. And I will certainly not stop praying for all of our government officials and our nation in general."

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Red, White and Blue

This calling of states is driving me nuts.

Red? Blue? Too close to call?

Oh my goodness...

I want to just bang my head on the wall.

Ugh.

(Sorry, that is all I've got right now. I'm tired. )

I think I'm gonna be sick.

Monday, November 3, 2008

A Funny Story To Cut The Tension

On Election Day eve the air is tense with the possibilities....the arguements have been heated, there is spin on everything and the bloggers are typing furiously......on that note I decided I needed to blog about something funny. I was in the shower tonight, washing my hair when I had an idea. ( I do some of my most profound thinking in the shower. Yes, it's true. I think maybe because it is the only quiet place in the house. If anybody knocks on the door while I'm in the shower I just say, "la la la...I can't hear you! Sorry!" It usually works.)

So for your evening entertainment I have a true story to tell you. This really happened. I was there. I know.

As many of you know I taught as a special education teacher for many, many years. A few years ago I had a 2nd grade student in my class. He was a dead ringer for Dennis the Menace. One morning he came into the classroom and was visibly concerned about something. I asked him what was up? This is how our conversation went down.

B: I think Dad broke his tivvy.

Me: (With an extremely concerned look on my face, because I had no idea what a tivvy was...and wasn't sure I wanted to know how his dad broke it.) Um......that is terrible. How did he almost break it?

B:He was horsing around and just about busted it.

Me: Well, that's just awful! (furiously thinking, how can I figure out what he's talking about without appearing stupid to a 2nd grader?)

B: Yeah, I know. Mom was mad.

Me: Oh, my goodness. Does mom have a tivvy too? (trying to use my best teacher deduction skills)

B: No, she uses Dad's.

Me: What does a tivvy do?

B: You know.

Me: Maybe I don't have a tivvy. I need you to tell me.

B: (Rolling his eyes) You got a tivvy.

Me: What would I use a tivvy for?

B: Huh?! Everyone knows you watch cartoons on a tivvy!!

Me: Oh! A  T.V. !!!!! You're talking about a television?

B: That is what I said, " A tivvy."

Me: (Touche'. Score a point for that southern dialect. haha)

Sunday, November 2, 2008

I Knew He Was Gone...

DISCLAIMER: Be aware that this blog entry will have some things in it that might be difficult or painful to read.

Back in August I did a blog about the memory of my husband's late wife, Nancy.  Now, it is my turn to do a blog entry about my late husband, Kennis. This Tuesday will not just be election day, but also the day that marks the eighth anniversary of my first husband's death.  Honestly, I can hardly believe eight years have gone by. It seems like a lifetime ago.

In late October of 2000 I was vacuuming in our living room. Vacuuming like a mad woman. My life was out of control. My husband was chronically ill. He was dying. We had a lot of medical bills. My life revolved around taking care of him..... I was vacuuming and keeping things in order because it was something I had control over...when everything else was so out of control.  On this particular evening my husband said to me in a premonition of what was to come, "Dawn come here and sit with me. The vacuuming can wait. Sit here with me because you know I won't be here forever. I'm dying." I in an angry voice replied, " No, you won't! I don't want to hear you talk like that." " Yes. Come and sit over here with me." Little did I know how quickly his words would become my reality........November 4, 2000 was a Saturday. Kennis was brought to the hospital by me, the afternoon before with extreme pain. (He had a chronic heart condition that he had been diagnosed with the year before at the ripe old age of 32 years and 8 months) He was okay that morning and we talked and laughed. Some of his family visited and we watched the University of Tenn. play against the University of SC. After the game everyone left and it was just the two of us. Things seemed okay... Kennis called me over to his hospital bed, reached his arms up and pulled me close. "You know I love you, right?", he said in his deep mellow voice. " Of course", I replied as I gazed up at him.  Moments later my husband yanked his IV's out. I didn't understand. I remember being confused as I stared at the crimson stains on the white hospital sheets....his voice echoing in my head...." I have to get up. I have to get up NOW! I need to exercise. I can't just lay here. I have to run in the hallway!" I grabbed the nurses button and started screaming, " Help me! Someone help me, PLEASE! Dear God, HELP ME!" Nurses came running in to Kennis' room asking him questions like, " What is your name? Who is the president? What day is it?" Sometimes he answered correctly, sometimes not. I said, "What is the matter with him?" ( I later found out lack of oxygen made him talk out of his mind.) They just shook their heads....and got some new sheets. Kennis laid back down....but not for long. He got back up. He was screaming at me. I KNEW something was terribly, terribly wrong. I screamed again as this time, my husband slumped over in the chair next to his bed.  His eyes rolled back. All I could see was the white of his eyes. At that moment I knew my husband was gone. I stood like a statue staring at him, my feet felt like I had concrete in them. I couldn't move...even as the nurses and doctors crowded into the room yelling, "He's coding!" I vaguely remember a nurse leading me to another room on the same floor to wait. As I waited, Kennis' mother and father arrived. They had no idea what was going on and were escorted to the room I was in.

Much later the emergency room doctor and Kennis' cardiologist walked in. The emergency room doctor looked directly at me....and I know how hard it must have been for him...."Mrs. Satterfield we lost your husband. I'm so sorry. I worked on him for 45 minutes straight. I couldn't bring myself to stop even though we could never get a solid heartbeat. I didn't want to give up because he was so young with a young family. I'm so very sorry." At first I was confused...you lost him? Where is he at? Then I said, " you mean he is dead." I didn't cry. I actually thanked him for his effort. It was all very strange, that I felt I should be polite. I guess that is the body's way of coping with extremely painful news. Don't think. Just do.  Though I was quiet, Kennis' mom let out the most mournful scream I've ever heard. It made the hairs on my arms stand up, like with goosebumps. She slumped on her husband saying, "not my baby boy. not my baby boy. Dear Jesus, why my baby boy?" I remember at that very moment I felt worse for her then I did for myself...I lost my spouse, but she had lost her son. Thinking about our own 5 year old son who at the time was with my mother, I couldn't begin to imagine the pain of losing a child.

Over the days that followed my family and friends were there to support me. They helped me every step of the way. They helped my son, and me to not feel alone. Life started to be a new kind of normal for us. It wasn't the same mind you...it never would be the same, but life could be good again. Indeed, it has been good. God, in scripture, told me that He is a defender of widows and a father to the fatherless. He would never leave me. I cannot imagine what my life would have been like if I didn't know the Lord. My hopelessness was replaced with hope. My grief was replaced with peace. It didn't happen immediately, and there were days that were difficult...but God carried me through the most difficult times and brought me out on the other side.  Scripture also tells me, and I believe that God allows us to go through certain trials so that we can help others when they are in similar trials. I understand things now that it would have been impossible for me to understand had I not had to walk through the valley.

Shortly after my husband's funeral I was cleaning in our bedroom. Trying to straighten things up...it was something to do, you know what I mean. I was trying to stay busy. I looked over at our dresser and noticed a piece of paper that I hadn't seen there before. It was a scripture verse that had been written out in my husband's own handwriting. I gently picked it up and read the familiar scrawl. This scripture was a message to me. A message from a wonderful and loving God. He gave me this message to read. A message that He had also given Kennis. "However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9) What peace I had after reading that. Thank you Lord.

When I think of my late husband I think of truck driving, and NASCAR, Earnhardt, and baseball caps. Woodworking and cooking. Grill master, canning and apple pies. He loved the University of Tennessee football, and his white pick up truck. He loved his daughters and son. He'd try to fix anything and if he couldn't then he'd fake it:) I remember trips to the Bahamas, Florida and St. Louis. I remember the week I spent with him in the big rig. (and realized I could never do that! haha.) Memories tucked away in my mind...

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Get Ready Canada...You Might Have People Knocking At Your Door

I don't know why I do this to myself...I read these political blogs that just make me sick... Jack's blog from CNN. Now, I don't watch CNN and I sort of just happened on this particular blog--you know how the internet is, you can easily skip from one thing to another.  Well, the question was this: What will you do if your candidate loses the election? Now, I said this was from CNN so as you can imagine most responders to this blog are democrats and very liberal. I should have known better then to actually read the comments but it's sort of like a train wreck, I just had to look. (stupid me!)

Many of the people said that if THEIR candidate loses (Obama the messiah, of course) then they are moving to Canada. I'm serious a ton of the responders said that. Now, I think Canada is a great and beautiful country but I love my country and I'm not bailing on it....even if MY candidate (and NO it's not Mr. Obama) loses the election. Anyone that would ditch our country because Obama loses then I say, "see ya and don't let the door hit ya in the tail on the way out." I'm disgusted by these responses. I really am. But hey, we live in a FREE country where we can make our OWN choices (at least for now--I don't know if that will be the case if Mr. Socialist is prez) and if you want to move then GO. That's your right.... But if you do leave, do the rest of us PATRIOTS a favor and don't come back. We don't need people who bail on us.

If you don't drink the Kool-aid then get off my plane!!

Awww......if you don't endorse me then I don't want to be your friend anymore!!

PURGE: SKEPTICAL REPORTERS TOSSED OFF OBAMA PLANE
Fri Oct 31 2008 08:39:55 ET

NY POST, DALLAS MORNING NEWS, WASHINGTON TIMES TOLD TO GET OUT... ALL 3 ENDORSED MCCAIN

**Exclusive**

The Obama campaign has decided to heave out three newspapers from its plane for the final days of its blitz across battleground states -- and all three endorsed Sen. John McCain for president!

The NY POST, WASHINGTON TIMES and DALLAS MORNING NEWS have all been told to move out by Sunday to make room for network bigwigs -- and possibly for the inclusion of reporters from two black magazines, ESSENCE and JET, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

Despite pleas from top editors of the three newspapers that have covered the campaign for months at extraordinary cost, the Obama campaign says their reporters -- and possibly others -- will have to vacate their coveted seats so more power players can document the final days of Sen. Barack Obama's historic campaign to become the first black American president.

MORE

Some told the DRUDGE REPORT that the reporters are being ousted to bring on documentary film-makers to record the final days; others expect to see on board more sympathetic members of the media, including the NY TIMES' Maureen Dowd, who once complained that she was barred from McCain's Straight Talk Express airplane.

After a week of quiet but desperate behind-the-scenes negotiations, the reporters of the three papers heard last night that they were definitely off for the final swing. They are already planning how to cover the final days by flying commercial or driving from event to event.

Developing...

Friday, October 31, 2008

The Ten Cannots

In 1916, a minister and outspoken advocate for liberty, William J. H. Boetcker, published a pamphlet entitled The Ten Cannots . “You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man’s initiative and independence. You cannot help small men by tearing down big men. You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income. You cannot establish security on borrowed money. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they will not do for themselves.”

A century later, Democrats are utterly ignorant of these principles. In fact, Barack Obama’s campaign is built around their antithesis—“The Ten Cans.”

I thought this was interesting



I got this in an email and enjoyed the simplicity

Our Tax System Explained: Bar Stool Economics
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100.
If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
...  Read MoreThe sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do.
The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. 'Since you are all such good customers,' he said, 'I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.' Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the
first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free.

But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?'
They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted
that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.
So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's
bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the
amounts each should pay.

And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings) .
The seventh now paid $5 instead of $7 (28%savings) .
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued
to drink for free.


But once outside the restaurant, the men began to
compare their savings. 'I only got a dollar out of the $20,'declared the sixth man. He pointed
to the tenth man,' but he got $10!'
'Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a dollar, too.
It's unfair that he got ten times more than I got' 'That's true!!' shouted the seventh man. '...  Read MoreWhy should he get $10 back when I got only
two? The wealthy get all the breaks!' 'Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison. 'We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!' The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat
down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill,
they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money
between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, is
how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat
friendlier.

David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
University of Georgia
For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.




Thursday, October 30, 2008

Immediate Thoughts

Outside my window. . .the dry leaves are blowing around.

I am thinking. . .I need to get up and take a nice, hot shower.

From the learning room. . .not a lot right now, it's night time.

I am thankful for. . .hot fudge to put on my icecream. Hey, don't judge me. We all have our vices!

From the kitchen. . .is yesterday's leftover tortilla soup...I'm thinking lunch tomorrow?

I am wearing. . .sweatpants, which if I'm totally honest is not the most flattering piece of clothing I own, but definitely the most comfortable.

I am creating. . .a notebook with all my house swatches/colors in it.

I am going. . .to learn to relax and go with the flow.

I am reading. . .Breakthrough by Suzanne Somers. Very Interesting!

I am hoping. . .this cold/stuffy nose goes away.(the stuffiness goes away, not my nose. Ewww...)

I am hearing. . .Greta talking on FOX.

Around the house. . piles of stuff. Everywhere. One day we will move. One day we will be settled. One day life will have normalcy???????.

One of my favorite things. . .cozy pj's and a fluffy robe. Okay, so that is two things. I can count. I just couldn't decide.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .watching a scary movie tomorrow night while handing out candy to the trick or treaters.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing. . .sorry I am not proficient at getting pictures on here yet. Don’t laugh at me. I mean it. It hurts my feelings when you laugh at me:) Just kidding.