KISSimple

Positive Attitude: 6 Ways to Become More Optimistic | Inc.com

2012-02-13T20:39:00.000-05:00

Positive Attitude: 6 Ways to Become More Optimistic | Inc.com

Goodbye, Uncle Sam

2012-02-08T20:17:00.003-05:00

I just retired from federal service!

32 years of serving the American public. I've had some really terrific experiences and left behind some great work. Also, some profound disappointments.

In the midst of all the hoopla about good government, I finally felt it was time to go. I have always given my full effort and worked long and hard to make American strong. But, I just don't have it in me to keep going without resources and reward.

I believe the federal government has not done a good job preparing for the time when experienced senior workers leave. As an executive leader, I left my division in excellent hands as I retired, but this is not the norm. Problem.

The government has not done a good job keeping its eye on the ball. Instead, each new political party changes priorities when it takes office. Priorities are ever changing, and people don't build expertise in any given area. Problem.

Federal employees have been subjected to "do more with less" philosophies for the past 30 years. The ultimate result is senior workers are heavily relied upon and younger employees do not have necessary skills. The federal reward system petpetuates specialization, so knowledge, skills are not widely shared. Problem.

Public opinion has once again become negative toward federal workers. Problem.

So, the problems outweighed the benefits and rewards (no pay raises for years now, and another 2 years ahead). Time to go...

What's it all about?

2011-11-18T19:51:00.004-05:00

Okay, today's thoughts are about life and what's it all about (Alphie).

Recent events have given me pause to think about what I want out of my life. I've spent 31 years working hard and I've done okay - better than a lot of people I know. Better in terms of promotions and having enough money to spoil my kids and save some for retirement and a "rainy day."

But, at what cost? That's the next question. My kids are well rounded, grounded and educated young people - one graduated from college in May and has started grad school while working for a non-profit. Not making much money, but learning how a business is run, about fund raising, and about grant writing. The other kid is still in college, working way too hard and is trying to graduate in 3 years -- just like her mom! While they were growing up, we took a yearly family beach vacation and they played sports. They went to Catholic school and were well indoctrinated in the faith -- so they could now question it. That's as it should be!

My husband is relatively happy too. I won't expound on him, because he wouldn't like me writing about him. So, out of respect, I won't go there.

Me next. Well, as I've already mentioned, I've had a relatively successful career. But, I did want it to end with a bang and it appears it will end with less than a whimper. Now, it's not over yet, so I'm projecting some, but I see clearly that I cannot stay where I am and go out with a bang. (Reflecting upon this as it's just written, I could argue with myself that is not completely true, but I am choosing to take this stand!) Oh, over the years, I have done some pretty interesting and even note worthy stuff. Unfortunately, I've never gotten the recognition I feel I deserve. And, that's at the core of my whimper comment.

I recently got this year's annual appraisal and it was very disappointing considering I have nearly single-handedly salvaged a mission critical project, one with national implications. Oh, it's not that my work isn't good - it's outstanding. But, I don't play the game. Never have. Why? Because I'm a slow starter. Yes, I believe this is at the crust of the matter. You apparently only get one chance and you have to come in with guns blazing, impress (or scare) those in power, and then manipulate to maintain your position of power. I'm smart enough to know and do this, but truthfully, I would rather put my energy into getting the work done. And, that's why I am allowed to stay and to work hard, but I will never get the prize! Not in the environment where I am employed.

I know it's all within my power to change course, grab hold of a new horse and grasp the gold ring... and, that's just what I am thinking about doing!

(So, you thought this would be about valuing life and not letting work become your life. That's another post, for another time.)

Join Hands and Make World Peace Happen!

2011-08-20T22:06:00.005-04:00

My good old friend Kissimple, I'm back!

Been neglecting my writing and spending much too much time working - really working, at my full time job. I must say it's good to be back again on the keyboard, emptying my mind and freeing my spirit.

I know nobody reads this blog. That's okay. I do admit I would love to get a following, but that would force me to find topics of interest to others and not just write for me. That sounds incredibly selfish. All of it! Yes, I selfishly wish to be a writer and to have something important to say that would ignite dialogue and even revolutionize the world! That's why I started Kissimple. To practice and to state my life philosophy that when we make things complex, we lose sight of solutions that can lead to our happiness. I believe problems are solvable and all we have to do to solve them is break the parts down into understandable and doable chunks.

I believe we can even achieve world peace if we all agree that is our goal - the rest will take care of itself! All we need to achieve world peace is the will to do commit and forceful people to keep watch for acts that violate our march toward peaceful cohabitation.

Too simple? Nope! You just have to believe! And, we need world leaders who believe and aspire to achieve world peace. Where are these leaders? Oh yeah, planning wars and other shenanigans to get power and make money. Gosh, if only someone could figure out how to make money on world peace! Then watch out!

Scifri Videos: Poop And Paddle

2011-08-20T22:05:00.000-04:00

Scifri Videos: Poop And Paddle

Independence Day

2011-07-03T23:34:00.003-04:00

Let's hear it for good old America on its birthday - Yea!

Now, let's take a look at what we have accomplished in the past year.

While not yet great, the U.S. economy has improved since July 2010. In May, home sales rose 8%. That's the most since George Bush was in office.

America's auto industry is on the upswing and had to overhaul itself in the making. American cars are more economic and ecologically friendly in 2011 than they were just a few years ago. Ford and GM have both paid back the American taxpayer loans that kept them alive -- and this has all happened in a brief few years. (Of course Japan's disasters of the past year have helped, but this turn-around was well underway before the earthquake and tsunami struck.)

A lot of people are still unemployed while CEOs keep getting larger bonuses, and the earning gap keeps getting wider and the middle class is barely hanging on to bridge it. This is one area where American needs to focus attention or the whole house of cards we call "the American dream" will collapse around us.

It's my hope that this time next Independence Day, the uphill climb to recovery continued and we all can celebrate our economic improvement - not just the richest few. It's been a few really tough years. As more and more baby boomers look to retire and the millennials looks to carry on behind them, America has to abandon the political anger and discouragement of the past three elections. We need to join forces and hold hands to stand strong and to do what we must to keep our country intact.

I sometimes wonder if we've still got it in us... come on, America - let's get busy and let's put our house in order.

It's really that simple, simple!

Become Positive! Thai How-To | Care2 Healthy & Green Living

2011-05-22T11:37:00.000-04:00

Become Positive! Thai How-To | Care2 Healthy & Green Living

For Eleanor

2011-05-10T22:39:00.002-04:00

A very dear relative passed away this week - on Mother's Day.

Her name was Eleanor Kramer. She was the wife of my mother's cousin, Orvia. My family is very small, so all relatives were all considered immediate family.

Eleanor was a strong, independent God-fearing woman. She had served as a Wave in WWII, then married and had two children - William and Linda. She was a dedicated wife, mother and member of First Lutheran Church in Bowie, Maryland. She always had time to help and was a very hard worker.

Eleanor loved Orvia and her children very much. She took great pride in her family - her own and the rest of us. In my early life, I remember Eleanor moving around with lightening speed, always busy - usually working in the kitchen, making food or clearing away remnants after meals. Her house, which Orvia built, was always neat and clean. I went there every Spring to pick cherries in their orchard next to the house. I loved the small ornate playhouse Orvia built for Linda, which was big enough for us to play inside.

Eleanor loved the Lord and I looked up to her for her steadfast faith. I never saw that waiver. Life wasn't always fair for Eleanor, but she never complained. Orvia died of lung cancer and Eleanor missed him dearly. Her faith assured her that he was at peace and that gave her comfort. William and Linda went through hardships, but Eleanor stood solid as a rock when they needed her. That strength carried on to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In later years, Eleanor suffered from incurable injuries due to a car accident, a heart attack (she passed away, but was resuscitated - came out with a great story about the light and a feeling of peace and joy), cancer, and finally being confined to a wheel chair in a nursing home due to a stroke. Yet, she made the most of her situation - always! She volunteered to be the greeter twice a week, she participated in as many social and recreational events as she could (she loved playing Bingo and doing crafts - she was always making crafts for the church Christmas bizarre, and she continued to do so at the home until the stroke left her without feeling in her hands.)

I last visited Eleanor a week before her passing. I didn't know this would be our last time together. She now had oxygen and seemed swollen - probably signs of congestive heart failure. She was so happy to see me and my mother, that she gave up going to Bingo to visit with us.

Eleanor and I shared the same birthday, which cemented us together forever! It was something she always told people we met - "this is my cousin and we share the same birthday!" I loved that we had this special thing that bound us to each other. My last words to her was a promise that I'd be back in a month to celebrate our birthday together. Guess God wanted her to spend it with him.

I loved Eleanor, a lot! With her passing goes the last link to all my beloved family that has gone on before her. She would have been 93 years old this June - a fact that made her very proud! Not only will I miss Eleanor, but she was the one of the few persons left who knew all those other Kramers. Tomorrow is her funeral. I do not want to say "Goodbye" to Eleanor Kramer. I have no choice.

Government Shutdown - Disservice to the People

2011-04-08T20:47:00.003-04:00

Has America completely gone nuts?

I am always saying that I am not about making political statements, but this week's insane moves on Capitol Hill beg for political commentary.

As a long time Civil Servant, I must speak out against the politically motivated, self-serving maneuvers our members of Congress have been making concerning the budget and a government shutdown.

In reality, shutting down the Federal government costs more money than keeping it running!

This has been documented -- the sum of restarting systems atop the cost for an orderly stop, back-pay with interest, legal processing, lost productivity due to countless meetings to plan the shutdown and then to plan the restart, overtime to make up for lost time on critical initiatives to name just a few things that cost American's more money than this exercise would ever save!

And, that doesn't even take into account the personal suffering imposed on benefits recipients, the Federal workforce (families and dependents) and our Armed Forces fighting overseas and keeping us safe here at home base.

The longer I live, the more stupid Americans seem to be getting.

Could it be the result of removing Civics as a middle and high school course?

People don't understand they need a strong, efficient and effective government to keep the country running. Else, we'd quickly see our infrastructure fall apart, our schools fail, our streets become unsafe, benefits shrink, and the end of civil discourse.

Wait!

We are already seeing these things happening and government has been running! Well, all this is the result of 30 years of using the Federal government as a political pawn instead of upholding it as a foundation for our democracy. Now, after all these years of abuse, the foundation is full of cracks.

Could this be the blow that opens a gash we can't close?

I hope not... for America's sake.

Wow - Hard to Stay Positive

2011-03-05T00:42:00.003-05:00

This week has been the pits!

It's not just me either. Everyone has been put through the obstacle course, and then it was the rack! Was it a full moon or was the sun doing something weird to us defenseless humans?

I have to be honest - I didn't keep a positive attitude while going through this week. I dreamed of escape! Funny thing about this temporary lapse into escapism - it didn't help!

Nope - this dreadful week just proved there's only one way to deal with adversity... head on and with a full head of positive attitude!

I had one really GREAT experience this week that alone was able to counter-balance all the unpleasant things I was going through. I spoke with a room of bright college students. Wow! I wish these students could realize how truly great they are. I was there to give them career advice, but it was I who left charged up! Wish I could bottle that energy and take a sip when I need a pick-me-up!

Hey! I can keep this positive feeling alive and well in my mind and in my heart.

So, I'm pledging here and now that I will carry my virtual vial of positive energy into the battles of next work week and I will have a better go of it.

Oh, yeah - I'm ready... after the weekend, that is!

Hellooo Out There

2011-02-25T21:55:00.002-05:00

Is there an echo in here?

I know I'm writing this for myself and this is supposed to be my way of honing my writing skills. But, with all the popular blogs out there, it's really obvious this is a stinker blog.

That shouldn't bother me because I'm doing this for myself (as I repeat myself). But, it does bother me that I have nothing relevant to say. I'm a really boring person... me! How did this happen. No, don't answer that. I know how it happened. I got married, had a career, kids came along and I got lost in the rat race of daily living.

WHAAAAAA!

I don't want to be lost and boring. I've got to get a life and start some hobbies (or revive those I've left on the dusty shelf so long ago).

Time to start exploring who I am!

Colbert quote

2011-02-23T19:46:00.000-05:00

Colbert quote

America - Pick one or the other...

Is the World Going Crazy or What?

2011-02-18T23:43:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I am just so amazed at how weird things are getting.

When I was a kid, I was taught self-respect and to respect others -- regardless of economic position, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual preference - you get the point. It was the person that mattered, not all this other demographic junk invented by marketing firms.

Another thing I learned early in life was if you committed a crime, you did the time.

And, lastly, I had drilled into my very being that you treated others as you would like to be treated yourself.

Now, as a middle-aged adult, it appears all this was just a bunch of crap. It's really all about money and power. Okay, okay... I didn't just learn this, but it's just more obvious than ever that the need to disguise your motives is a thing of the past.

Why am I writing about this, today?

It's simple, Simple. I've had enough of watching our "leaders" in Congress attempt to avert the skyrocketing budget by cutting programs for premature babies! Isn't this the bunch that got elected on protecting the unborn children a few years ago?

Again, I am being naive. That's the past and today's mantra is cut the Federal budget. Government is bad. Well, I lived through this once before and I didn't like this movie. Unfortunately, this time grandmothers, infants, and the defenseless poor appear to be in the cross hairs. I suspect this is because our leaders know it makes for good sound-bites, and that's today's reality. Well, reality is about to bite some people right where they live!

Oh, I'm not so much appalled at these moves by Congress, but I am oh so upset that Americans are not getting up-in-arms about this! What will it take to get people to put down the clicker and pay attention? Better yet - make these guys be accountable, respectful, and honest!

I just have to wonder how these folks were brought up. On both sides... those at the top who seem to have such disdain for the folks at the bottom and vice verse.

It appears to me that neither of these groups have a very good reality index. If the top 1% had empathy or just plain sympathy,how could they would offer up the cuts being proposed without considering their impacts on real lives of the very people they were elected to serve. Serve - as in provide service to others! Not feather your own bed!

And, folks on the lower echelon need to wake up and smell the coffee - or should I say tea? Oops - I'm not political, so excuse this not so funny pun. Why would you stand for this kinda of treatment? Turn on your brain and think for yourselves! We are about to be thrown under the bus so the fat farts in Congress can say they cut the budget!

Seriously - if bad things happen to good people it's because they allowed them to happen!

It's that simple, Simple.

Do not stand at my grave and weep - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - StumbleUpon

2011-02-09T19:45:00.000-05:00

Do not stand at my grave and weep - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - StumbleUpon

Unbelievable Paper Transformer - Video - StumbleUpon

2011-02-09T19:44:00.000-05:00

Unbelievable Paper Transformer - Video - StumbleUpon

I'm Positive about This

2011-02-08T20:54:00.002-05:00

There's a law of Physics that goes something like, positive attracts positive and negative attracts negative.

If I didn't get the proper field of science right, I know I got the thought correct. And, that's what I wanted to stress here - you get what you attract to yourself.

Too many times I've heard people bemoan the fact that some else gets all the luck. Well, the old saying that you get all the luck you make is actually, factually a reality. Surrounding yourself with positive energy may attract good things to you. But, I know for a fact that when you emit positive emotions, you feel better!

Conversely, when you start down that deep dark path of self-pity and loathing, what out! It only gets worse! If you let that spiral down, out of control, you can get lost in the negativity you created.

Okay - this may be a bit simplified, but it's not an over-simplification. Check it out for yourself. See how many blogs, web sites, etc. are posted that carry this same claim. All I know is how can you lose? It's always better to be up and positive, than down and negative.

It's really that Simple, Simple!

To Blog or Not to Blog

2011-02-02T22:00:00.004-05:00

Okay, not an original title, but that's where my mind is at today.

I watched the really enjoyable chick flick "Julie and Julia" the other night. The basis for this story is writing a blog. Writing to just write, but hoping it will come to more - which it did in the movie.

Got me thinking about why I started KISSimple. Actually, to be utterly honest, it made me face the truth about why I am doing this - to get noticed for how well I write.

There, I said it.

But, unlike the chick in the film, I am just blathering about random stuff. Nobody wants to read that - I have plenty of proof about that.

I did start out with the premise that it's better to simplify your life, get real and be true to yourself. These underlying themes prevail, but with much less effort I admit. Now, I don't think the quality of my topics nor my writing have taken a dive, but this is an effort in self-indulgence -- like most blogs, I suppose.

But, I wanted to be better than that!

This will take more thought and exploration - in the meantime, another thing I have to admit is that I started writing almost daily and now have dropped off to a meager "here and there" schedule. This won't do. If not for any better reason, I started this blog to improve my writing and to divorce myself of pent up "stuff."

It's time to quit or get back on track - and, perhaps find that special spark that make this blog stand out among the many pages of ranting in cyberspace!

I Hate Holidays!

2011-01-21T20:18:00.003-05:00

Not THE holidays, but those random days off from work in remembrance of something or some person.

What used to be a legitimate reason for a thrilling 3-day weekend, has now become at this point in my life a pain in the neck. All because of WORK - that four letter word we know, we all need, and we all privately hate.

In my existence, a holiday falling in a week means less time to complete a week's worth of work.

Excuse me! After these past 4 days, I need another holiday from WORK!

But, then I'd have to kill myself again.

How does this make sense? Can someone explain it to me? Is this Bizzaro World?

I'd rather work 5 days than have this reality.

Well...

almost...

I mean, I do like getting to sleep-in an extra day.

And, when I work so hard to get everything done in 4 days instead of 5, I fall asleep in the couch at 7pm, so that's almost like getting extra time to sleep-in.

Eureka! Problem solved. It's just my perspective that has to change, not the calendar.

I feel much better now.

P.S.

Of course, drinking wine on Friday night when I actually can sleep-in tomorrow is the best reality of all! Cheers!

Holiday Postlude

2010-12-29T17:13:00.002-05:00

It's now the 5th Day of Christmas - yes, that's the 5 Golden Rings day in the Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." It's not just a song, but one of our family traditions.

In our family, December 25 is the first day of Christmas, not the end of the season. We count down to January 6th, the Epiphany - the day the wise men found the baby Jesus and gave him gifts. This is also called, "Little Christmas."

We also do not put up Christmas decorations until December 22 (or there about depending on when it works out, but never before December 20th!)

On January 6th, we celebrate "Little Christmas" with a grand dinner out and exchanging small gifts to symbolize the gold, Frankincense and myrrh brought by the wise men for Jesus. We also burn Frankincense and myrrh and inscribe the sign of the magi over our front door threshold. This sign stays there all year to remind us to also seek the Messiah daily.

Holiday Prelude

2010-12-13T21:47:00.003-05:00

Christmas is nearly here and we are once again painting.

It is now becoming our annual practice to spruce up the old abode in anticipation of the approaching yuletide celebration. But, alas the holiday seems to be coming faster than the project is nearing completion - once again. We went through this last year too.

I'm not complaining! Things are looking great.

I just wonder what compels otherwise normal adults to put ourselves through this exercise.

So, in a mere 12 days it will be Christmas - today we have the place covered in drop clothes, paint cans and painting paraphernalia fill the open spaces of my entry way and living room.

Let the transformation continue!

Summer Life Lessons - Number 1

2010-09-05T20:13:00.003-04:00

Been away for the summer, toying with other venues for my creative dabbling. Now bored with those and back here on KISSimple because I have something to say.

I learned a couple life lessons over the summer and am committing them on virtual paper, here and now.

Lesson 1: You can't take responsibility for other people's destiny.

I've tried, especially for my children, it doesn't work. I state this sadly because I sincerely wish I could channel my energies and inflict a positive directional modification here and there. Advice just doesn't seem to be enough. This doesn't mean I've given up. Oh no! I just realize you can try and then must wait to see if that advice seeps in. If not, say a prayer and watch for the next learning opportunity. Not all my efforts have been motherly. I've endeavored to help co-workers who seem destined for failure, hoping to aid them in overcoming whatever issue blocks the sweet taste of success.

I know this sounds very self-serving and conceited. Perhaps. Truthfully, I'm writing this because a recent event could have been blissfully celebrated, but instead is mourned because someone didn't pay attention to an email invitation they received. My part was to help that person with their application. I continuously asked had they heard anything yet. No was always the answer. Finally, I made them go through their summer email blockage and there were several attempts to reach them. This really made me angry, until I realized how little this opportunity meant to them even though I think it was one of those scarce gifts. It became about me, not about helping them.

Now, that's conceited - even if I was right, it really doesn't matter. This is not my choice because it is not my life. It's hard to watch people appear to sabotage their chances, but who knows what true opportunities are around the bend for them -- ones that they might not see had they gone down the path I thought was best for them.

Hence, my having learned you cannot make people willingly go down a path they did not choose.

July 4th Fireworks Are No Blast For Pets | The Humane Society of the United States

2010-07-01T21:34:00.000-04:00

July 4th Fireworks Are No Blast For Pets | The Humane Society of the United States

Bless the Fathers

2010-06-20T13:10:00.003-04:00

A father is a special person to have in your life.

My own father is now deceased, but I think of him often and always miss having him in my life. My dad was bigger than life. He was a unique person who either brought you tremendous happiness or great aggravation. There wasn't much middle ground with Dad. And, he liked it that way. He lived his life on his own terms and he wanted to have as much fun as he could.

Family was very important to my father. He kept in touch with his sister who still lives in Brooklyn and we made trips up to visit frequently. And, I was Daddy's girl. I could do no wrong in Daddy's eyes. Nobody else has ever loved me so much that I could bring anything -- good and bad -- to them knowing I wouldn't be judged in the process of figuring out what to do next.

I hope I too have imparted this complete love to my own children and that they too know I am always here for them no matter the circumstances.

This is the most important thing I learned from my father.

It's that simple, simple.

Thanks, Dad. Rest in peace.

Adeu, Dear Ivy

2010-06-06T11:42:00.004-04:00

At Christmas 2008, my family presented me with a baby African Pygmy Hedgehog, whom I named Ivy. I didn't know anything about hedgehogs, so I turned to the Internet and quickly came up to speed. One thing we did was build Ivy a playpen environment where she had lot's of room to explore, run, and tunnel. But, after awhile, Ivy abruptly stopped doing all these things.

It turned out Ivy had developed WHS -- Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome, a fatal degenerative neurological disease similar to human MS. The symptoms start at the animal's rear legs with progressive paralysis up to the head. I'll spare the gory details, but Ivy soon required hospice care of hand-feeding, massages, rotation to minimize developing bed sores, etc.

While it was time consuming to provide this level of care, as long as Ivy wasn't in pain I (and my other family members) were willing to do this for her.

Ivy died last night.

I'm glad that I didn't have her euthanized because I felt she deserved the right to live as long as she could make it with our care. She lived 6 months in this progressively worsening condition.

I'm so sad that this sweet animal had to go through this horrible, progressive disease. I don't think she was in pain. Now her ordeal is over. I'll miss her. I grow very attached to her during the daily hand-feeding and cleaning and massages. This was not a good existence.

Shame on breeders and pet stores for allowing this genetic condition to be passed to future generations (and to the pet owners who are unprepared to deal with the extensive care required.)

Happy Memorial Day?

2010-05-29T10:47:00.002-04:00

I've always been confused when people say "Happy" Memorial Day.

This is a national day of remembrance for those who laid down their lives to keep us free. While this weekend is the official start of the summer season, that shouldn't trump solemnly reflecting on the sacrifices these brave souls made for the good of the country.

Guess I'm a party pooper. And, probably an old foggie too.

I am not an overly patriotic person, but I do have respect for people's acts of courage and dedication to the ideals of Mom, home and apple pie. I was taught to stand and cover my heart when the American flag passes in a parade. I served in the color guard at camp and school. I know that showing proper respect in handling our country's flag connotes respect for the country. These symbolic gestures made me believe our country was worth respecting as I grew up.

Today, I see flags left flying in front of houses, never brought inside when it rains or at dusk according to the flag honor guard code. Further, tattered flags are to be taken out of service and replaced by new flags. If flown at night, "Old Glory" should be lighted and properly displayed in a respectful manner. Just throwing a flag up on your garage wall isn't good enough... at least it didn't used to be.

So, I am confused by all the tattered patriotism and Memorial Day parties. I will be going to the military cemetery today to put flowers on graves and to thank my father for serving in the Navy, of which he was so proud.

I know friends who will be riding in Rolling Thunder on the National Mall in DC, and I want to say "thanks" to them for keeping this tradition going and reminding us all that our freedom comes at a steep price.

Saying "thank you" doesn't go far enough when I think of all the young people who are current serving and giving up their personal freedom for a few years to ensure the rest of us have freedom for a long time.

Tomorrow when I see my 88 year old father-in-law, I'm going to thank him for serving in the Pacific during WWII. He's never told us much about that experience, but after seeing HBO's mini-series recently, I realize just what he had to go through and I'm very grateful that he survived.

I am not questioning other people's patriotism - never! I'm just looking through my own lenses which were shaped by my own upbringing. Patriotism is something you do, not talk about. That's how I was raised.

Care for a Hedgehog with Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome - wikiHow

2010-05-27T21:33:00.000-04:00

Care for a Hedgehog with Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome - wikiHow

Find a Post Retirement Job - wikiHow

2010-05-23T15:09:00.000-04:00

Find a Post Retirement Job - wikiHow

Find a Continuing Care Retirement Community - wikiHow

2010-05-23T15:07:00.000-04:00

Find a Continuing Care Retirement Community - wikiHow

Traveling Home

2010-05-21T15:48:00.002-04:00

In the hassle associated with traveling for business, there are pleasant surprises along the way. Today, I discovered that a coworker, whom I recently met on this trip, is a published writer. We had a nice conversation about writing, inspiration and also did a little commiserating about the employer. This bit of human comradeship has made my day. I was feeling disconnected coming from this three-day meeting, and I admit suffering from a bit of self-pity for having so few office friends -- accentuated by a limited number of dinner invitations over the course of the week. Then unexpectedly my seat mate on the plane turns out to be a fantastic person with similar interests. A small thing that means a great deal. I'm now returning home with a smile on my face. What a good Friday!

Saturday Ramblings

2010-04-17T13:05:00.004-04:00

Nothing special to write about today, just feel like putting down stream-of-conscious thoughts - you've been warned...

Change. Sometimes change is self-initiated and sometimes it just happens without warning. Not all change is good, but it's always a door opening to new opportunities. How one deals with it is what ultimately determines how things turn out. Our family is facing change as our elderly parents now need help. They don't admit this and not surprisingly, they do not welcome this change. I see this as an opportunity to leave behind daily chores and concerns of running a household. A chance to enjoy life instead of having to deal with it. Easy for me to say. Hard for them to see. I pray for patience to help everyone get through this with dignity intact.

Respect. Once fundamental to our society, now sorely lacking. Begins with self-respect, which are foundations of honor and integrity. Seems these personal attributes have been dis-guarded as old fashion, remnants of by-gone eras. In my lifetime I've seen this complete shift away from personal responsibility to social welfare. Can you see the cracks in our American foundation? Nobody accepts accountability for their actions. Nobody listens or respects authority. Nobody cares about our society enough to contribute. I listen to political rantings on TV and talk radio - it's shocking how uneducated and gullible people have become. It's embarrassing. And, it's very dangerous.

Taxes. If you don't want to pay taxes, but still want to get services, you are dreaming! How do the roads get repaired of winter potholes? Tax money. Who pays the police and firemen? Tax money. 2 simple examples that I daily rejoice I have available to me. People should stop complaining and grow up. If you want to live in a country with lot's of services for it's people, you must contribute your fair share. Also, IRS doesn't make the tax laws -- that would be done by Congress. So, if you don't like the way taxes are today, vote in the next elections. Don't fly a plane into the IRS offices and kill innocent people who are just doing their job.

Life is good and it can be simple. Just start thinking and stop drinking someone else's Kool-Aid. It's that simple, simple.

You Should be Ashamed of Yourself

2010-03-22T20:50:00.008-04:00

All politics aside, the behavior of some Representatives last night during the healthcare reform bill vote was appalling. Texas Republican Rep. Randy Neugebauer acknowledged Monday that he was the lawmaker who shouted "baby killer" during a floor speech by Rep. Bart Stupak. What was this man thinking? Oh, yeah, he wasn't thinking. He was emotional and reactive. That's exactly the type person I want in Congress representing me during these important, groundbreaking and historical law-making sessions. Not really!

Don't forget that Congressman Wilson shouted “You lie!” during Obama’s September address to a joint session of Congress on healthcare. Another prime example of emotional outbursts that embarrass the country.

Is this junior high school or the United States House of Representatives? These are only a couple examples of the less-than-stellar behavior exhibited on the floor of Congress. Whether or not a person agrees with the motion being discussed, I would expect our leaders to act with dignity and to command respect -- respect for themselves and for the country. As it turns out, those who have sunk to acting like school children in public debates are the same people who es-pound their devote love for America.

If you love this country, act like you mean it and show some respect for the office you hold. Its really quite simple, simple.

Spring!

2010-03-19T19:25:00.002-04:00

I've been quiet for way too long!

It's work that's to blame. Much too much work to do and not enough time to do what I want... like write here.

Much as taken place in these quiet months. Tragically, my pet hedgehog, Ivy, has developed WHS -- Wobby Hedgehog Syndrome. Funny name for a deadly version of MS. I am giving her hospice care and must be doing okay because she's still here.

The winter holidays came and went, but not as usual. My husband and I undertook painting the inside of our house in preparation and just made it before relatives arrived on Christmas Eve. Whew. But, everything looked really good, so it was well worth the trouble of building-disassembling-building-disassembling repeatedly the two story scaffolding.

Spring break is about to end for my college freshman and junior, who both spent it in Florida.

My childhood hero and Pastor passed away and was buried today. He had a massive turnout and a beautiful day for his send-off.

And, it's the first day of Spring!

I'm inspired again and going to make time for my passion - Kissimple.

Do Something Nice for Someone Today

2009-11-22T22:15:00.003-05:00

A friend suggested on Facebook that we do something nice for someone tomorrow. I said I would do so.

Why not?

I try to be helpful all the time. Many times people are happy with this treatment. But, not always. There are a percentage of folks who are distrusting of people wanting to be helpful. Why? I haven't figured that out yet. But, I'm pretty sure it has to stem from a deficiency on their part. If someone wanted to be helpful to me, I'd be surprised and/or grateful. But, suspicious? Probably not. People don't generally want to do you harm while disguising their behavior as helpful. Truthfully, I do not understand, so I have no answer.

Regardless, tomorrow I will make sure I do something nice for someone.

As it's a work day, there will be plenty of opportunities. I envision starting off early by holding the door of the elevator to allow everyone to get on board without rushing. Should a vendor reach me on the telephone, I will give them information they are seeking. Whatever it is, I'll be ready and able to deliver on my promise.

I will be nice to at least one person tomorrow.

What about you?

Express Yourself!

2009-10-29T21:17:00.003-04:00

Writing is expression.

Is that too obvious to state? Not really. Humans need to express themselves. I had an interesting conversation this evening with someone who has a lot of pent up energy. Turns out she used to write, but now she doesn't. She is wondering why she seems nervous, fidgety, and unable to slow down her thoughts. Seems to me her creative energies need to be released.

Perhaps I'm crazy, but writing or any other creative form of expression such as music, art, photography, collecting, genealogy, or whatever fits the need is an essential part of maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Express yourself!

I recall a slogan like this (and I know that is poor English, it is done for effect) from a long time ago. These are words of wisdom that escaped me until today.

Must be living on the correct path this week. I received some sage advice yesterday that goes something like this...

- Lighten Up
- Don't take this stuff so seriously
- Use a friend to double check that you aren't falling back on destructive behaviors. Why should you do all the hard work yourself!

I'd like to add to this short list - Express Yourself!

It's that simple, simple.

Life is Good

2009-10-09T22:26:00.002-04:00

It really is...

The weather is beautiful on the east coast. It's early fall, the sun is bright, the sky is clear blue with puffy clouds. The evenings are crisp, but not too cold. No frost yet. Pumpkins are starting to appear on people's porches.

And, I found my lost friend, Monica, this week.

We've known each other for many years, having been best friends in high school. Then she disappeared. Everyone said not to worry - and I am not a worrier - but this was abnormal. We'd stayed in touch for over 25 years.

Turns out she was having troubles in her life and could have used a good friend. But, when everything seems to be coming apart, it takes all your energy to hold yourself together. I'm happy that she's okay and once again a part of my life. Even if you don't talk to someone all the time, it's a real blessing to be able to pick right up and keep going with another person who has shared your past.

So, Yea!

Life is good.

My Son

2009-09-20T20:49:00.003-04:00

My first born turned 20 this week. Although he has legally been an adult for two years, being twenty years old seems like a real milestone into adulthood. When I look at him (and he came home from college to celebrate with the family this weekend), I see a fine young man. No - this is not a rant about how did time fly by so fast.

I've enjoyed all of these twenty years. Each stage of his development brought new wonder. I'm still amazed by the occasional remark or behavior. But, then I know I'm completely prejudiced - I'm his mother.

The day my son was born was truly the happiest day of my life - or at least the first such completely wonderful event. (The birth of my daughter two years later was also a awesome experience. But, this is not about her.) The initial days I spent caring for my son were so natural and perfect. Time seemed to stand still. I was on the baby's time schedule, not that of the world. There was nothing. . . but baby, daddy and me in our universe. I was filled with completeness and endless love.

I re-live that time again every September when my son's birthday comes around. I carry that feeling of peace and love forever in my heart. I recall it so well, it seems like a very short time ago.

I hope it always does.

Rosh Hashanah - A moving occurrence...

2009-09-17T21:22:00.004-04:00

I read this in our work newsletter today and was interesting. So I'm sharing this here with you. Everyone should take time and reflect on the sins of the past year... probably would make a difference in how we treat each other.

Rosh Hashanah occurs 163 days after the first day of Passover. The earliest date on which Rosh Hashanah can fall is Sept. 5; the latest it can occur is Oct. 5.

During Rosh Hashanah, those who follow Jewish tradition review the mistakes they made in the past year and resolve to make improvements in the upcoming year. There are many traditions associated with Rosh Hashanah. The sounding of the shofar—a ram’s horn—during prayer services is one of the oldest traditions. Afterward, participants eat a festive meal in which challah and apples are dipped into honey. On the next day, they eat a new fruit not yet eaten that season. Many Jews also observe the Tashlich ritual. They symbolically cast off the sins of the previous year by tossing pieces of bread or other food into a body of flowing water.

Stiff Upper Lip

2009-09-10T22:25:00.003-04:00

There are times when it's hard to maintain a positive attitude.

This week has tried my good nature. It's like a little dark rain cloud has been following me around. Hey, you! Get off of my cloud. (Wisdom credits - Jagger/Richards)

Perhaps it's biorhythms or something physical, but I truly believe it's metaphysical. I've been tired and kinda bummed out about having both of my kids off to college. Yes, I miss my little girl. It's an adjustment period I know I must go through. Layered on top is work pressures. Just plain old normal aggravation, but this week it's magnified.

Oh, and I got a $100 parking ticket (ouch). That was the icing on the week.

But, not really. Today is only Thursday and there are 2 more days left in the week. So, I'm gonna pick up my sorry sack of bones, dust off the seat of my pants, and have two really great days to balance off the week - so it's not a total loss.

What a great idea. Glad I thought of it.

It's really that simple, simple!

Go out and have yourself a great day too.

Empty Nesting

2009-08-31T22:13:00.002-04:00

Got both of my kids off to college this past week. Today was the first day of classes, and I vividly recall what that was like when I was a freshman at the University of Maryland. It seemed so big and I felt so lost. My "kids" - a freshman and a junior at different colleges - go to smaller schools, but I bet it's the same experience on the first day of the fall semester.

In some ways my own college experience seems like yesterday, and then it doesn't. I grow faint when I think of how many years it has actually been since I moved into the dorm for the first time. I've always been one to embrace the experiences that life brings on. But, somewhere in the middle, some time got lost.

Oh, I know what I was doing in any given year, but in bulk that time between my kids starting kindergarten and graduating from high school is a blur. I know the reason is my two jobs kept me hopping - you know, the paying job and being a Mom. Now that my husband and I are here alone - in complete peace and quiet - I have time to reflect on such things. I also have time to blog again, talk with my own friends on FB, and do some projects around the house. I may even take a few art classes in the fall.

Come to think about it, being an empty nester - even if it is until Christmas break - doesn't seem all that bad.

Trials and Tribulations

2009-07-17T09:37:00.003-04:00

Life occasionally throws you a curve ball.

My dog has injured both of his hind legs and may need at least one operation. The surgeon is out of town on a multi-week vacation. Lucky duck. My vacation is tomorrow and the kennel I use cannot accommodate my dog's special needs. Throw in a boa snake and African pygmy hedgehog that also need caretakers (yet to be found), and this isn't looking very good.

My in-laws paid for the beach house where the entire family is supposed to congregate for the next week. We are not the only family branch that ran into issues. So, it looks like the 7 bedrooms may not all be filled. And, that is making my in-laws very cranky. (They're in their mid and late 80's, so they are entitled.)

I'm writing this because I realize I lead a pretty charmed life. This is a very rare occurrence. I know people who have issues all the time. Don't know why some people have issues and others do not, but I suspect it has something to do with quality of choices and plain old luck.

While my recent luck has been less than perfect, I'm not complaining.

Firstly, nobody likes a complainer.
Secondly, complaining only makes you feel worse.
Thirdly, complaining doesn't fix anything.
Lastly, I believe negative energy begets negative results - and, complaining is definitely negative energy.

I don't know how this is all going to work out. I have all day to do whatever can be done. The point being, I am doing something about this and not sitting around feeling sorry for myself.

That was yesterday.

(joke - smile)

Stars in Our Eyes

2009-06-25T22:17:00.005-04:00

When significant pop icons die, people reminisce and share memories of how that person impacted them.

Today, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson both passed away. The fact that neither was an old person made their deaths somewhat tragic. And both of these people were pop icons in the real sense. Farrah was THE poster pinup girl of the 1970's. Everyone knew that pose - you can see it in your head right now. Regardless of her other accomplishments -- and there were many from the news articles pouring out today -- it's as that '70's icon that we remember her.

Farrah's death at 62, while untimely, was expected. Reports earlier this week had her hospitalized, and she publicly discussed her cancer on TV just a few months ago. But, we still see her as that young tanned smiling beauty queen in the red bathing suit. It's the passing of that girl we mourn today.

Michael Jackson was the King of Pop. For Real! He was Elvis to another generation and now he has also tragically died too young. Michael Jackson reinvented himself several times. He was a true creative genius and the biggest pop icon of the 1980's and some would argue the 1990's.

I found myself humming "I'll be There" and "Beat It" today after hearing the news. I am not embarrassed. I admit it. I have liked Michael Jackson since he was that cute 6 year old singing with his brothers in the Jackson 5. I always had a soft spot for how his tragically atypical childhood turned him into a weird adult - after all, he gave up his childhood for all of us. And we loved him for it. Some part of me also feels dying at age 50 (he would have turned 51 in late August) seems just for someone who couldn't seem to deal with growing up. Now, he won't have to grow old.

I guess I should point out that according to an old wives tale, death comes in threes. And, that held true in this case too. Earlier this week, Ed McMahon died at 86. I had actually speculated about another Hollywood star's pending demise being number 3 -- guess he's safe, for now.

Another Year

2009-06-12T23:38:00.002-04:00

I celebrated my birthday this week. Of course, this was my time to reflect on getting older. Know what? It's not so bad.

For instance, I am now only one year away from being eligible to retire. I won't really be financially positioned to retire next year, but I will have the option. And, that is an attitude changer. Lord knows, I could use some attitude adjusting from time-to-time.

I'm also going into a quasi-empty nest situation this coming year - let's call it a trial run. Both kids will be off at college. My husband and I have experienced what this will be like during the past two summer when our offspring were working at summer camp and only came home occassionally from June to August. So, I know this won't be so bad. In fact, there were some positives... our water bills have shrunk, as have our grocery bills and there's much less laundry to do. We also go through much less toilet paper.

This year's milestone also finds me exercising and making a semi-serious attempt at eating better. (It's only a half way attempt because people keep taking me out to eat to celebrate - alas this too shall pass.) I've made up my mind that I must become more active or die. That's a true statement - I'm now getting too old to not take care of myself. I have no interest in cutting any years off my life. Hopefully I have not already done so.

So, this was my birthday and upon reflection, things are going well.

Seems like a very positive start to my new year.

Silence is Golden

2009-05-28T19:33:00.005-04:00

I've been quiet lately - and, nobody noticed.

That's been my plan from the start. I use this space to express my thoughts. I'm using this medium to practice the art of writing. And, no matter what, I am having fun doing this.

I know I'm not the most intelligent or astute writer and this blog is proof of that. But, I'm doing what I enjoy -- creating.

I create mostly for myself and for my own pleasure. I honestly admit I would like to get positive reinforcement. Mostly, I have gotten negative feedback on my ambling snippets posted here. (That's been from my children who think I should not be doing this.) Oh well. I can't please them no matter what I do, so I am shrugging that off as a by-product of their current phase... teenage.

I hope I have not offended anyone, but since few people have actually viewed this blog, there's little danger of such. As I already said, I'm not writing this for other people anyway.

So why not just have at it? It's pretty simple, simple!

Hats Off to the Girls Today!

2009-05-16T19:35:00.002-04:00

Today, the 134th Preakness Stakes was run and for the first time since 1924 a filly won!

Not only did Rachael Alexandra win the race, she ran it out front from start to finish.

Not only did she own the race the entire way through, but she started from post position 13 - no horse has ever won the Preakness from this gate.

This is truly a remarkable event that occurred in rainy Baltimore today.

So, in honor of this brilliant run by a once in a century mare, I figuratively toss into the air my big brimmed Preakness bonnet and raise in a toast my Blackeyed Susan (a wonderful drink if you've never had one) to Rachael Alexandra.

You go, Girl!

See you in New York for the Belmont Stakes in early June.

Apologies

2009-05-09T11:11:00.002-04:00

There's good and bad about being an online author. Until recently, I had kept the address of this blog secret because it's my place to practice writing and to unburden myself. Until recently...

I kept off Facebook because I knew it would upset my kids if I had an account - that they would see this as an invasion of their space. But, then I kept getting invites from my own friends to join. So I did. And, as expected my kids didn't like it. Especially when I friended their friends - hey, some of my kid's friends found me, not the other way around.

Now, I've published the link to this blog on my profile. Why? Because I wanted to see if anyone would come and leave me comments. I'm prepared to learn what readers think about my rants and raves. I'm not embarassed by anything I've written. This has always been out there subject to view and review by anyone.

Some things I've written have caused friction with my kids and that was not my intent. I am just being honest with my feelings and airing my opinions. In person, feelings and opinions don't always get through to others in the room. I'm the type person who has to put these feelings some place, and that's why I write in this blog. Once I put it here, I feel better.

So, if my thoughts voiced in this medium have upset anyone, let me say I'm sorry that was not my intention. But you also need to know that I wouldn't be writing in this blog if I didn't feel strongly. And, my feelings, thoughts, and opinions also matter.

At least here they do!

It's Kentucky Derby Day! Does Anyone Care?

2009-05-02T11:48:00.003-04:00

Time to mix up some Mint Juleps, don a big wide-rimed hat, and weep to Stephen C. Foster's tune, "My Old Kentucky Home." Just like in the good old days...

Not!

American horse racing is on it's last legs. Especially in Maryland where I live and where half our family income is dependent upon horse racing.

The Tax Reform Act of 1986 eliminated tax shelters for owning race horses as an investment. That drove down the demand for horse flesh, which put the two leading thoroughbred horse breeding farms out of business. Today, 23 years later, there are not enough quality horses to run 9 quality races each day at live tracks. So, the race tracks have gone to simulcasting -- the sharing of live races via satellite to many tracks for remote viewing and betting.

That would have worked, except the betting demographic also changed -- for the worse. Handicaping was once a respectable past time where one could fill spare time with a mentally challenging and physically appealing sport with the promise of making money. At times, the payoff was darn good. Before the age of simulcasting, horses tended to run at the same tracks and the handicappers could follow these horses, learning about their trends (liked to run on a fast or dry track vs. good on a wet and muddy track for example), following the success of jockeys on these horses, and even knowing about the trainers and their "track records."

All this has changed. Not only is it nearly impossible to keep track of all the horse statistics for races being held internationally every day, but nobody has spare time to visit the track, to keep abreast of their favorate horses, nor is there an abundance of discressionary income with which to play the game.

And, mostly nobody much cares about horse racing these days. Racing horses was a favorate sport of land owners when this country (and others) were agriculturally centered. We humans had a connection with horses -- either as transportation, work tools, or family pets. We have lost touch with horses, so we don't much care if they run fast and can beat the star horse from the next town over.

So, today is the first big race in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Horse racing. Does anyone even realize it's happening? It's kinda sad to say probably not.

Kids Never Listen!

2009-04-29T22:35:00.002-04:00

Okay - my daughter has picked her college and it's not the one I think she should attend. So, is this my decision or hers? That is the question.

Given I'm paying, I have a vested interest in the outcome of this decision. My choice for her is the school that best (in my opinion) prepares her for a future career. My choice school also is located in an urban setting where I know she won't get bored and will have many new opportunities.

So, why did she pick a dinky, liberal arts college in a country locale to study English, her native tongue? Because it's safe and cozy feeling after months of being stressed out by her high school college counselors. Argh.

It was also the advice of these professional college advisors that my child would fit best in this setting. What do they know? They don't know much about her except her grades and SAT scores. Frankly, if I had the chance, I'd put my foot up their you-know-whats for butting into matters where I don't think they belong.

As the biggest fan of my daughter's, I think my assessment of her talents, dreams and desires are much more on point that that of practical strangers. But, it's them she listened to. And, I'm pretty distressed about this. Why? Because I do not think it is okay to be mediocre. And, this is a pretty mediocre school as far as I can tell.

Okay, it's nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report - as a liberal arts college. That's not much to go on. This only makes it better than all the rest of the dinky schools that didn't get ranked. I must stop now because I'm about to go on a rant and it's a waste of my time and yours. The deal is cut, the check is mailed, and I've got to accept the fact that my child is going to spend 4 years there.

But, I don't like it.

College Gitters

2009-04-20T21:00:00.002-04:00

Yes, we've got the gotta chose a college in 10 days gitters. And, that's us, the parents.

We just found out today that the school my daughter really wants to attend awarded her less money than we had hoped. The reality that I'll never be able to retire -- and I'm getting tired -- is starting to hit home.

I had my children in my mid-30's. I didn't realize that would mean I would have to work until I died. I already have one child in college and this second one will drain our life's savings. And, we did save. We fore went vacations, cars, bigger houses, etc. to save for these college tuitions. The problem is we look rich compared to all the other folks who spent their money having a good time while we put it away for this rainy day.

I really love my daughter and I want her to be happy. So, tomorrow I'm calling the college financial aid office to enter my plea. I know going in I don't stand much of a chance, but I must try. I really want my daughter to attend this school, which is a very good fit for her.

That also brings up the fact that she didn't work as hard as she could have during her high school years - but neither did I, so who am I to point fingers?

I guess I'll be homeless when she finishes college, since my only option is to put my house up as colateral for loans to cover both her tuition and her brother's. Oh, well...

I won't need all that room - or will I? These kids had better get good jobs when they graduate coz there won't be room for them to live with us in our car.

No kidding!

Internet Happy Ending

2009-04-16T18:52:00.004-04:00

I heard the most wonderful story today on the evening news.

A father and daughter separated over 30 years ago found each other thanks to Google. This is just one incident that shows how amazing is the power of Google and of search engines in general.

You can virtually find anyone or anything via your favorite search engine. I've been working with Internet technology since the early 1990's - in fact, one year ago I was awarded a patent for my pioneering work. And, frankly I'm not all that impressed with how things are going.

While there have been some major improvements to the technology we had 10 years ago when the web started to be used in earnest, the innovation I expected to see has been stunted by the need for profit by the business entities who now are driving this market segment.

Back in the early 1990's, Internet technology was being developed with government funding - hence the claim by Al Gore that he invented the Internet. That quote was taken out of context, but the point today is still valid... government works for the benefit of the people, while business works for the benefit of the stockholders.

So, I've got lot's of ideas about where the Internet should be headed and I'm not going to post them here because I haven't protected my intellectual property at this point. But, I intend to do so and then get started on taking the web to the next level... unfortunately, patents take about 8 years to get awarded. So, it may be awhile.

My Child is Great!

2009-04-03T20:53:00.004-04:00

This posting is all about my daughter - I am a proud Mom.

I've had the opportunity to read some of my daughter's writing lately and I must say she is really a talented writer. I'm not just saying that because I think my child is the best. As an English major myself, I truly think she has a gift for descriptive narrative and poetry. In fact, she is competing for a literary scholarship at one of the colleges she may attend next year.

What I don't understand is why my daughter reacts negatively when I praise her work.

I know a thing or two about the English language and writing styles, and I have even read a book or two (ha, ha). And, I'm a fair writer myself - much of my professional success attests to this fact. So, it must not be that I am unqualified to critique her work that sets her off. It must be that mother-daughter thing.

Oh, that I do understand.

When I was a teen, I rarely got along with my own mother. I do now, but that's because I am a natural peace-maker. In other words, I give in and let her get her way. That's only part of the truth. I learned some insights about my mother when I was in my early 20s that made it much easier for me to make these compromises with her. She can't help herself and I can. So, I am in complete control of the situation and I let her think she is. Works out well every time. And, I'm a lot less aggravated when I'm around my mother.

I guess my daughter and I need to reach this same equilibrium in our relationship -- and that will probably also take a few more years to achieve. In the meantime, I will try to ignore the hurtful things that float from her lips (probably without touching her brain on the way out).

Well, I will not stop telling her how much I enjoy her writing. She'll have to get used to hearing it.

College Choices, Oh No!

2009-04-01T20:37:00.002-04:00

It's April 1st and my daughter only has one month to pick a college to attend next year.

This is definitely a difficult decision and the hardest choice she's had to make so far in her life. And, it may be true that the school she selects will determine the path she takes for the rest of her time on this planet. Or not. Who knows.

Times have certainly changed. When I was a high school senior, I had two choices (not 7). I could go to our local community college (hell no!) or I could go to the state university (less bad). Too bad I wanted to explore going to school out of state. And, I had to pay for my own room and board. My parents were separating at the time and they could barely afford the $628/semester price tag. I worked two jobs (one on campus before classes and one after in the evenings) and it was hard. But, I admit I really learned to appreciate the value of a dollar. More importantly, I learned what I was made of. I worked so hard, I graduated in three years! I made it and it's still one of my life accomplishments for which I am very proud.

Today, semester costs have skyrocketed to over $20,000! No student can afford to pay their own way anymore. How can you work off that price tag at minimum wage? Impossible. And completely unfair. I read an article that said colleges and universities raised their tuitions to attract a better class of student. Yes! One such school's tuition went from $14,000/year to $43,000/year. And, the number of student's applying increased by 40%. How weird is that. People are stupid. They believe something is better because it costs more.

By the way - my daughter has applied to that school and been accepted. And, yes. We are going there on Friday for an accepted student day visit. Guess I'm stupid too. (I do like their architecture - sigh.)

Hey! Kick It Into Gear, Middle Class!

2009-03-29T19:18:00.010-04:00

We, the hard-working saving American citizens are under attack.

Oh, the blood isn't literally flowing in the streets, but it's certainly flowing out of our veins in an even more horrific way... While we idly watch, we are being economically bled dry and our life blood - our life's savings are becoming worthless. And, we can't do a damn thing about it.

Or can we?

If the hard-working saving middle class pulls it's money out of the saving accounts and puts their cash under the mattress, will that solve anything? Well, it will ensure our money stays in our own hands. We aren't earning interest on this money while the corrupt bankers syphen off their huge bonuses. And, God forbid, the banks can always shut their doors and make our money unavailable to us.

But, should we?

Perhaps that is the more relevant question. I don't condone having a class war, mostly because I'm afraid the lower class and upper class will whip our ass - Frankly, the middle class has gotten soft in the belly. We'd be toast in a class war. Isn't that sad. It is to me. After dedicatedly working for nearly 30 years and living below my means to ensure I saved a nest egg for my retirement years, I can't believe I'm still going to eat dog food in my old age.

So what can we do?

We can vote! We can badger our elected officials and representatives until they heard our voices. We can band together and start looking out for ourselves -- instead of waiting for someone else take care of us. We must DEMAND to make people responsible for their actions. We must DEMAND accountability from those in whom we put our trust. We must DEMAND that our politicians have integrity and act with prudence when spending taxpayer dollars. We must DEMAND a return on our investment as we bail out poorly operated companies (who actually should go out of business.) We must DEMAND that common sense approaches be tried before the more risky scenarios are selected. We must DEMAND that the middle class is respected. Else we are just a nurse cow awaiting to be sucked dry.

When did we get to be so lazy? It's time to stand up and get noticed for being the backbone of this country. It's time to join forces and not let our nest eggs be targeted as the bailout funding source for greedy SOBs in the upper and lower class structures. What? This isn't PC? "F" if I care. Facing extinction isn't very appealing to me.

What about you? Do you want to become extinct? If not, get off your butt and do something about it!

Be Grateful - Things Can be Worse

2009-03-13T19:41:00.002-04:00

Today I learned my mother has breast cancer.

Nobody in our family has ever had this disease before. That always gave me comfort. It hasn't happend to us, so our chances of getting this type of cancer were slim. Now we are opening a new chapter in our family history.

Oh, it could be worse. The other cancers that befell family members were fast acting death sentences. It's too soon to know if this is a contained or wide-spread cancer. But, it is a wake up call. Things can always be worse.

We are living through the worse financial crisis this country has seen in at least 70 years, if not the worse ever. That remains to be seen as time passes and the true magnitude of the situation unfolds. A lot of pain and misery is being felt by Americans -- those who have lost their jobs and livelihoods; those who have lost their homes; those who have lost their fortunes. But, everyday regardless of the year and financial situation, Americans lose their health.

I lost my father because he had no health insurance. He could not afford to pay the premiums, so he went without medical treatment that eventually cost him his life. My mother has health insurance and hopefully a good doctor. We are lucky. Many people are not able to get the care they need.

Last week I watched T. Boone Pickins on TV. He admitted he had made and lost three fortunes during his lifetime. He is a living example that wealth is regenerate able. But, once you lose your health, your chances of getting it back are not very good. T. Boone looked pretty darn good for an old guy. Hope Mom is lucky and this just turns out to be a minor bump in a yet longer road of life for her.

Economic Warfare - Wake Up America!

2009-03-07T10:45:00.005-05:00

There's a lot of hype these days about the economy and everyone has an opinion. And, so do I.

Attention is being paid to those people who are in danger of losing their homes, their jobs, and their investments. That's the first side of the coin. And, I'm the first to not want to see innocent people thrown out on the street or going hungry because their employer went bust.

The other side of the coin is not getting much attention, and that's where I want to spend my attention today. What about all the people who worked hard, saved hard, and are also being hit hard by the country's economic downturn? Nobody is talking about a bailout for them. No, because they still have some of their savings left. Somehow that money they scrimped and saved now puts a bulls eye on their foreheads to be taxed to cover the money needed to pay down the obscene mortgages of the people who should have know better.

The media hype about the Obama administration is they are turning America into a socialist society. Maybe they are...

As one of the hard working, responsible people who didn't live above their means and saved for their children's college educations and for their own retirement, I am highly resentful of plans to take taxpayer money (my money) and bail out the people who lived it up on credit over the past 10-15 years. Equality opportunity is not about the redistribution of hard-earned wealth to those who could have saved, but chose not to do so. And, that is the truth of this situation. People lived high-on-the-hog and now it's time to pay up. But, those of us who steadily saved and didn't run up their credit card balances should not be the ones having to pay up.

I'm an Independent voter and I am very alarmed at how hap-hazzardly more and more money is being doled out. I know where this money is coming from - the taxpayer's pockets. Oh yes, people talk about how concerned they are -- about when the market will rebound. It's not about the stock market, but what money you have to buy food and pay your own mortgage. It's no longer a question about how fast we can regain our imaginary wealth, but how long we can hold on before one of the foreign countries now holding our national debt calls for payment and then owns America!

If the government drains the personal couffers of the middle class savers, there won't be anything left to anchor us against a financial takeover by an unfriendly foe. This is economic warfare.

Wake up, America!

Dear Mr. President...

2009-03-05T20:00:00.003-05:00

Pick one thing and do it well.

That advice was given to me when I was coming up and I believe that is good advice for this new administration. We have a lot of problems to deal with, but can we effectively deal with them all at once? I doubt it. There's just not enough money, time, and people to tackle everything the President says he wants to accomplish.

I'm definately a lefty liberal, but this "be all things to all people" is a bad play. Come on, Obama. You are a smart guy. All you have to be is PRACTICAL. Your credibility is on the line, man.

Ah, Love is in the Air

2009-02-14T10:37:00.014-05:00

It's Valentine's Day!

This morning, I awoke to red roses, heart balloons and lovely sentiments from my husband. I appreciate that he took the time to prepare all this for me. Especially since he took that time last evening, which happened to be his birthday.

While this may not seem like a lot to some people (you lucky spoiled bunch), this is representative of my relationship with my spouse. He's not into things, but feelings and thoughts. So, when he goes out of his way to bring me my favorite flowers and to buy outward signs of his affection, I'm thrilled.

Now, I know people may think I'm letting him off the hook easy. Many of my friends expect to get jewelry, clothes, trips, dinners out, etc. on Valentine's Day. I'm not into making my man jump through hoops to demonstrate his love for me. I get that every day. He's loyal, trustworthy, open and honest, and he's always here for me. What else do I need? I certainly don't need a bunch of junk laying around the house. That's for sure.

I am really the lucky one. I found a life partner whose love runs deeper than surface showery. We have been together for nearly a lifetime - I met him when I was just 18 and it's no secret that I've passed the fifty mark. I'd be lost with him and today he let's me know he feels the same way!

Dump Daschle - Public Opinion Does Work!

2009-02-03T21:53:00.003-05:00

I borrowed this from a friend who makes valid points - worthwhile reading. Guess pressure like this pays off - Daschle withdrew from his nomination today! Visit this site at: www.yetmo.com.

Too many straws break a camel’s back. Well over 100,000 of them in the form of unpaid federal tax dollars ought to break the Senate’s backing of former Senator and Majority Leader Thomas A. Daschle’s quest to head the Department of Health and Human Services and serve as White House health czar.

Timothy F. Geithner was approved to serve as head of the Department of the Treasury, which oversees the Internal Revenue Service. He failed to report all his income and pay the required taxes, yet he received the Senate’s consent to be the nation’s Chief Tax Collector.

How then can I possibly suggest depriving the new president of his choice for changing the health care landscape in this country, especially if that pick is widely-known, well-liked, and effective in key Washington circles? Because at some point – and now would be a good one – a message of enough is enough should be sent by citizens and heard loudly by lawmakers.

Failure to end this seemingly endless cycle of high-powered, high-income, well-connected individuals being afforded breaks that the common citizen would never receive would be unpardonable.

We must speak out again. Just as I requested in my last column to contact your representatives and tell them to knock off the partisan games and get to work on solving our nation’s economic problems honestly and effectively, I ask again to call, write, or e-mail your Senator – or President Obama at 202-456-1111 – and say no to Tom Daschle.

Perspective is essential in this matter. IRS employees failing to report all their income risk immediate firing. In fact, stricter laws affecting employee behavior in general, not just for proper filing and paying of federal and state taxes, were enacted by Tom Daschle and other lawmakers in the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. Provisions in that law struck fear into the hearts of these folks. I know. I was one of them for over 30 years.

Do you believe that one errant IRS employee, making $50,000 a year, could harm the integrity of the tax system or overall government operations more than a Congressperson who makes such laws or a cabinet member? This is not to excuse a renegade government employee. It is certainly also not to excuse elected or appointed officials from improper behavior.

Think, too, that Daschle’s unpaid taxes exceed the annual income of about 90% of all Americans. His unpaid taxes. Not his total tax bill, and certainly not his total income, which was reported to be in excess of $5 million since he left Congress. For the new Administration, which seems intent on extracting more taxes from higher income citizens, absolving Tom Daschle (and Timothy Geithner) seems oddly off message and bordering on hyperbolic hypocrisy.

This is not personal. This is not partisan. Daschle obviously possesses wonderful qualities and strengths as a person and deal-maker. His former colleagues are racing to his defense. It is about President Obama’s self-proclaimed “New Era of Responsibility.”

If those at the top cannot accept responsibility for their actions, how can they – or we – expect the same from the rest of us underlings?

If this nomination succeeds, it will not represent a double standard. It would be a double standard squared.

Fred W. Apelquist, III
Approximately 540 words.
© February 3, 2009

Peace, Love, Obama!

2009-01-22T22:21:00.008-05:00

Deja Vu!

All the sudden, it feels like 1970 again. (Except I'm not 15...)

Youth is important and has a voice in how the country is being run. The national mall in DC was filled with people celebrating their voting power. Music was a binding medium, bridging gender, racial and generational gaps. People were willing to brave unkind temperatures, walk on foot to the venues, and wait in lines. And, the people attending Tuesday's inaugural events were nice to each other!

Like I said, Deja Vu! But, this is 2009. And, this is real...

Well, things have certainly gotten off to a great start in the new Obama administration. Not only are the citizens excited and happily walking the streets arm-in-arm, but our new Commander-in-Chief has already started making his mark. He's wasting no time taking visible action to make good on his campaign promises.

The other day, I heard on the radio coverage of the inauguration events that people on the national mall were chanting "Peace, Love, Obama!"

That's really cool. People are excited and hopeful that things can really change and get better. This is kinda surreal. It's like living in a movie. Hey - I always wanted to live in a movie! This is great. And, I'm not going to jinx this by saying anything negative. It's all good. Let's enjoy it.

It's Finally Here - George W. Bush's Last Day in Office!

2009-01-19T23:25:00.003-05:00

This is the day I (and many others) have awaited for a long, long time. Eight years. Eight depressing, embarrassing, agonizing, painful years of this man's blatant disregard for the American citizen's rights, needs, and honor.

It's finally here. His LAST day in office.

Tomorrow, the damage control begins. I hope we can recover from the inane ineptitude of George W. Bush and his pack of selfish cohorts. Good riddance to the lot of them. During the President's farewell speech the other evening, I was amazed (didn't think that it was possible) at Bush's lack of conscious acknowledgment of his role in creating the current economic crisis; of his complete denial that he illegally put America at odds with the rest of the world over our invasion of Iraq; of his eight year battle against the middle class; of his disdain for civil servants, whose jobs were outsourced in a thinly veiled corporate welfare scheme; and, lastly his plain ignorance about how Americans view his legacy. Legacy - that's a very fancy word for crimes against humanity.

I am celebrating tonight that George W. Bush is finally out of office. He has single-handedly brought America to the brink of disaster.

Good job, W.

Now get the hell out of "the People's house!" Don't let the door hit you on your ass on the way out.

Positive New Year - Oh Yeah!

2009-01-03T20:45:00.003-05:00

Have you read the news laterly?

There's not a lot of goodness going on. Our humanity is on the brink of becoming terminal as world and economic tensions rise. To further fuel human anxiety, Mother Earth is starting to wobble as the melting ice caps have flooded pockets of the planet in unequal measures. Christmas cheer and "Goodwill and Peace on Earth" was blown to smithereens on Christmas Day started by Hamas and Israel. (Why did they have to ruin our holiday?) A local 69 year old man was attacked and beaten with a baseball bat in his church's parking lot while headed to Christmas Eve mass - at least they caught the perpetrator today. And, 5 members of one family died in a house fire in DC because the 1940's home's wall structure enabled fire to tunnel through the walls unabated - a problem rectified in subsequent constructure code improvements. Wall street's end-of-year losses were unfathomably huge, so much paper wealth was lost that it makes your eyes cross.

So, now it's another year. What are we going to do with it? More of the same or by some miracle, do better? How are you feeling at this moment? Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Or perhaps, you are a realist.

It really doesn't matter. None of us has a crystal ball. We can only do our best, day by day. I believe if we all took this position and thought less about how to get power, things, and people and more about taking it slow and easy, life would improve.

In 2009 I plan to do just this - slow and easy, each day at a time, making the most of the things within my sphere of control. And, when you think about it, there are many things within arm's reach that we affect... our family, coworkers, neighbors, strangers, classmates, parishioners, service providers, sales associates, bank tellers, cab drivers, etc. I have a pretty wide network and I pledge to do my best to make a positive and lasting impact on those with whom I have contact. After all, it's the people in our lives - closely related or mere associates - who in turn can pass on that positive energy to others within their network. And so it spreads. Good will and positive energy.

Go out and spread your positive energy. It's catching!

Let's make this truly a happy new year.

Peace be Unto You All

2008-12-24T21:12:00.003-05:00

It's Christmas and that means it's okay to believe in Angels.

When angels visit us mere Earthlings, they always bid us peace. That's a pretty cool thing to do. Think about it. If we actually were peaceful beings, everything would be perfect. Obviously there would be no war, no murder, and no hatred. These are the things we'd expect to get. You can also add in no child abuse. There would be no mental abuse of family members, coworkers, and strangers living in close quarters. Songs would be about good subjects instead of bemoaning the loss of innocence, loved ones, and jobs. Well, maybe jobs would still be lost in a peaceful world.

To me, the best thing about Christmas is the gift of peace. Christ is called the Prince of Peace. Peace is what you get when you listen to Silent Night in a candle lit church at midnight on Christmas Eve. Peace is what you feel when you sit quietly before your lit Christmas tree admiring the glow of each special ornament and remembering its significance. Peace is what you have when you know your children are safe and sound, tucked in their beds in your house. (For us who have children away at college or in the service or just out on their own, it's extra special when they come home and are asleep in their old room during the holidays.)

Ah, Christmas is about Peace. So, why is it so easy to forget this and fall prey to the marketing hype that precedes December 25? All those gifts will not bring peace to your loved ones. No. But, your love, attention, and affection will bring them peace. And, that costs you nothing more than being a good person and taking the time to make someone feel special.

It's Christmas Eve and my dinner with family is now over. I've cleaned up all the dishes and wanted to capture these thoughts. Peace. That is what I need. I hope you find peace within yourself too. Merry Christmas.

Olá from Buenos Aires

2008-12-12T10:07:00.003-05:00

It is wonderful to be spending a week in the fabulous South American summer during the second week of December. Christmas decorations flutter in the late spring breezes and colorful blooms decorate the walkways and flower boxes admist holiday signage and songs in the many stores I've visited.

There are many many highlights of this trip, but the most profound thing to me is how gentile are the people. Things are changing here - the younger people are sporting jeans and tees, but more of the folk in the street are dressed for going out. It's not uncommon to see people wearing suites while shopping. And, when people meet, they greet each other with a kiss on the cheek and a kind word or two. I vaguely recall similiar customs from my very early childhood. I think we lost a part of our humanity when these habits became outdated.

Nothing's perfect and in Buenos Aires you must be on your guard against purse snatchers and pick pockets. One woman in our party had her purse ripped off her shoulder by a passing motorcyclist, which is quite common here. Yet, this is something you can protect yourself against, unlike a street thub mugging common at home in the U.S. I hope our present does not become the future for Argentina.

Thanks!

2008-12-01T21:41:00.002-05:00

I let Thanksgiving get by without writing a word.

Oh, I have many things to be thankful for, so that's not why I was neglecting my journal entry. I really was conflicted this year. I'm trying to keep on the positive side and to write about up-lifting things. Then, I get on a rant and off I go spewing negativity into cyberspace.

It's far too easy to write about all we have to be grateful about on Thanksgiving. But, this year I was painfully aware of the commercially contrived nature of it all. Why? There were Christmas trees in Home Depot before Halloween! Give me a break!

I'm tired of being programmed to eat turkey on the fourth Thursday of November, to do all my holiday shopping on Black Friday, and to mail my cards and gifts by December X to guarantee their arrival in time for the holidays.

Sheesh! Don't people see what a plastic market-driven bunch of hype all this is. Even in this down economy, hordes of frantic shoppers were clogging the highways and byways this past weekend to catch that extra special bargin. All this hyper-drive shopping rush actually cost a Walmart employee his life on Friday. Yes, the crowd trampled him to death when the doors opened in the wee hours of the morning on Black Friday. OMG! No toy or electronic piece of crap is worth a human life!

So, I held off writing this piece because it's not a happy, joyful interspective journey reflecting all the goodness of the past, present and future. Nope. I am feeling quite sick -- of leftovers and the rush to get Christmas over with -- and it's only December 1.

Standards for Sales Clerks

2008-11-19T19:50:00.005-05:00

I ran into a really simple, simple sales clerk today. Oh, excuse me, I mean Sales Associate.

Apparently, smarts aren't a job qualification for this position. I took back several pieces of clothing I purchased a week ago to our local Macy's. I had removed the price tags, but left on the manufacturer's tags. I had my sales receipts with me. But, the sales associate couldn't enter the items back into the inventory/point of sales terminal (formerly known as cash registers) without the barcode on the missing price tags.

Now, let me further explain that the sales receipt had descriptive entries that were easy to match up with the items being purchased and now returned.

But no. She couldn't handle the return transaction without the missing price tags. So, now I had to return home to get these price tags and then go back again to the store - which fortunately is not very far away from where I live.

What if I didn't have the price tags any longer? Would I have to keep these items? These were gifts for my daughter's birthday last week. Nobody gives birthday gifts and leaves on the price tags. In fact, this is the reason that Macy's gives gift receipts - which I did not bring along to the store. Guess that makes this entire scenario my fault.

Anyway, I thought I'd capture this incident here so any chance reader would be fore-warned. Macy's sales associates cannot handle returns without price tags even if you have your sales receipts. Perhaps I am unfairly lumping the smarter sales associates in with this more challenged colleague. I'll let you decide that for yourself.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl

2008-11-16T12:25:00.002-05:00

My baby daughter turned 17 yesterday. She is a high school senior, going through the college search adventure. She spent the night before her birthday at one of the colleges she is applying to attend next fall. That visit prompted this post...

Birthdays are frequently not the things that dreams are made of.

When we're kids, we look forward to our special day with an eagerness almost as keen as Christmas morning. When you get to be an adult, you learn that to accept the fact that your anticipation is rarely, if ever, actually met. At 17, my daughter already realizes this. But, she had a legitimate reason this year to expect to have some excitement. She would be sleeping overnight at a college campus the Friday night before her Saturday birthday. She would be attending a college party and meeting some new people - very exciting.

It didn't turn out that way, unfortunately. The coed she was paired with doesn't like to go to parties. Oh, they got invited to 3 that evening, but she chose for them to play games in her dorm room instead. Perhaps this was not her normal behavior. Perhaps she felt an overhelming sense of responsibility to take care of her high school senior charge. My daughter says otherwise, that this was her normal Friday evening habit.

Now, I don't care if my daughter got to party hearty with a bunch of college kids, but I do care that she came home feeling she missed out. I'm sure she didn't miss anything at all. But, she was bored instead of excited by her college overnight visit.

So, I feel kinda bad knowing that this is only the first of many, many more birthday disappointments to come. On the bright side, she got a surprise visit on Saturday from summer friends she works with at camp. That was very nice and they traveled far to see her. I hope she learned that it's the friendships we make and the relationships we grow that make life sweet. There will be more parties... I promise.

Hate is an Ugly Thing

2008-11-10T18:24:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I came face-to-face with ugly hatred - up close and personal.

I was in the check-out line at a local grocery store, waiting for the mother and her 10-ish year old daughter making their payment for their purchases. The mother was showing her daughter how to pay using a credit card, and for this reason it was taking a little longer to complete the transaction.

The woman behind me says "Excuse me," while she tries to reach around me to put her groceries on the check-out conveyor belt - I was standing at the end of the belt unable to move up. I glance over my shoulder and tell her there's no room for me to move up (because of the mother-daughter check-out instruction going on in front of me.)

She then says, a bit louder, "Excuse me" again and I repeat there is no room for me to move up.

Next she pushes her cart into my rear-end, saying more loudly, "Excuse me." I turn around and look directly at her and say, "I said there is no room to move up, so why did you push your cart into me?"

She says she asked me politely and when I didn't comply, she had to make her point. I told her this was no way to act and she went off on me saying...

"Just because you are white doesn't mean you have a right to treat me this way. I may be newer to this country (I think she was African), but I still have rights , even if I am black!)

I could not believe what I was hearing! I pointed my finger right at her and said, "Oh no you don't! That has nothing to do with it. There was no room for me to move up and you had no right to hit me with your cart!!"

She yells back at me, "You think that was a hit! You want me to hit you! I'll show you what I can do to you!"

In the meantime, the check-out clerk and bagger are shrinking down - no help to defuse the situation. She was still yelling at me as I left both the line and the store after paying for my few purchases. (I'd been buying ice cream for a family birthday party I was holding at my home in a couple hours for my daughter and mother-in-law.)

Needless to say, I was shocked by this exchange and I'm stilling reeling today - hence this posting. There have been a huge influx of immigrants into our community over the past 5 years. So many new comers in fact that I sometimes feel out-of-place in the small town I've called home for over 23 years now. I'm sorry to say this episode has only served as an explanation point to that fact. I doubt if I will be going back to shop at that store again for some time to come.

Why?

Because, I don't feel like putting myself into situations where I am abused for no reason. Because, this woman scared me - plain and simple, simple.

Indian Summer's Night Moves

2008-11-07T17:13:00.002-05:00

It's absolutely beautiful here in the Washington DC area this evening. It's Autumn at it's best and I'm hoping we got the best election winners for the future of our country.

I'm a registered Independent and I was careful about inspecting issues, examining the messages emitting from radio, TV and the Internet. But, there does seem to be something wonderful about the Fall season right after a Presidential election that I wanted to take notice and make comment.

The 70 degree air around the nation's capital is charged with a hopeful buzz that the new Administration can turn things around. The clear blue day time sky reminds us of the field of blue states on the election coverage channels Tuesday night. The crisp mornings remind us of how sharp the pencil points of new Cabinet and Congress must be when they arrive to work on Day 1. The smell of dry leaves is akin to the smell of old Republicans being whisked away by the winds of change. And the last evening sounds of crickets chirping is like... empty promises made but not kept over the past 8 years.

Oh, I wax poetic tonight, but I'm inspired by the uplifting attitude of our President-Elect as he immediately starting naming members of his new Administration and putting out teasers about his plans to right America's recent course. Like him or not, you probably will agree that Obama's taking charge. That's a good way to begin.

The Big Night is Finally Here

2008-11-04T19:42:00.003-05:00

Tonight feels a lot like Christmas Eve...

It's the same feeling of anticipation like before you open your presents and see what you actually got!

Yes, it's Election Day and the polls are now beginning to close. I've got the TV coverage on and all the speculation is ramped up - to the max. All this drama and swirling has really revved up the nation and captured our national imagination. But what about tomorrow?

Someone has to lose.

And then what will happen? We're told things will never be the same again when November 5 rolls around. That means we have a 50/50 chance of things getting better and also getting worse. I've had very few Christmas' where I got gifts that matched my expectations. Usually it's a lot of build up with minimal payback in return. I truly hope this election doesn't turn out like so many overblown holiday promises.

We'll see... May all your election dreams come true!

Be Careful What You Pray For

2008-11-02T10:01:00.002-05:00

(Reprint from Blondesense blog - thanks for sharing... )

Religious Americans are praying and fasting as we move closer to election day. They are praying that Christians will get up off the couch and go out and vote (for McCain/Palin) because they stand for the "sanctity of life."

"We have just days to pray that someone who upholds the sanctity of life and marriage between one man and one woman will win," said Pam Olsen, co-pastor with her husband of the International House of Prayer in Tallahassee, Fla.

Olsen, who personally supports Republican John McCain, is organizing a marathon of prayer, fasting and Bible reading at the Capitol starting Saturday until the state's polls close.

"The outcome is up to God," she said.

This is going on country wide.

If there really is a "God" up there and he really does value the "sanctity of life" and he really can sway the electorate, which candidate do you think he'd pick? I don't have a clue although I think that the God of Jesus would choose the candidate who is less likely to bomb the shit out of sovereign nations... but then again the Old Testament God would probably choose McCain.

What would an Obama win say to all the religious zealots? Will they be convinced that God chose Obama and leave the presidency in "God's hands" as it were?

Kramers in the House

2008-10-25T17:06:00.009-04:00

It always seemed sad to me that our family was so small. As people got older and passed away, I deeply missed them and I was destressed by the feeling that our little clan shrinking away. That is until last week.

I met some blood relatives I didn't know I had. What wonderful people they are too. I am so very grateful to now know you. I hope this is the beginning of a life time of being family.

A poem about the joy of being with your family… (modified, from the Internet)

We come together, young and old, traveling distance just to be... surrounded by your own people. Cousins, uncles, aunts and grandparents, all in perfect harmony.

There’s power in these gathering, love renews and flows right through.... through the smiles, hugs and memories of how we used to be... through the surprise and glee, when we get to see.
The family we never knew.

Good food, real laughter.... our bonds become so strong. We know that we belong with each embrace, with cheek kissed, with each sang song,... we see what we have missed. And we tell ourselves we've been apart too long

We hold each others hands and pray, thanking Jesus for his grace.
Asking God to guide us safely home, until we meet again. In another time, in another place.

The Total of A Person's Life

2008-10-25T16:46:00.002-04:00

I went to an estate auction today - my daughter was asked to take pictures.

Estate sales I've been to before, but this was my first auction. As I meandered my way through the physical property remains of the deceased, it looked just like the things we had to dis guard when my father passed away. Fortunately, this ensured I wasn't tempted by much of what I saw there. But it does make you think about all the junk we amass during our lifetimes.

I really don't want to besmirch the deceased, but how much junk do you really need? There was so much of it -- and people were buying it. All I can say is I'm motivated to clean out my house and get back to basics. After all, when will I really need that thing-a-ma-jig again? (Although by some unwritten rule of the universe, it does seem that when you throw something away you do need it right away... )

Another thing that occurred to me while I spent my day at this auction was how complicated we make our lives. This person has 3 boats, 4 cars, 3 tractors, an RV and an airplane. Can one person really use that much transportation?

The property totaled 90+ acres - most of it farmland that was not being used. So, there was plenty of space to keep all this stuff. That's another unwritten law of the universe - the more space you have the more junk you will get to fill that space.

I hope the family got a good amount of revenue from today's proceedings. I left before it was over and there was still a lot of junk to get rid of... but people were still there buying it up so their personal space wouldn't go empty. After all, the universe wouldn't be happy if we let our space be clutter free.

(I think I'll go clean the basement. Maybe I should have an auction...)

Please Vote

2008-10-18T10:37:00.003-04:00

A lot of people are revved up by this election, but will they actually vote?

It is our civic duty to vote. It is our American birth right to vote. It is our personal obligation to vote - if you truly believe that America is the best country on planet Earth. Voting is what makes our democratic system unique and it is the core of our ability as American citizens to have a voice in where our elected officials and leaders take this country... and us along with it.

It's a beautiful and simple, simple thing.

So, get off your duff and VOTE on election day. Make this the year that you personally get involved and make a difference.

It matters not which idealogy you subscribe to following or which personality you like more. Unless you make your one vote count!

Don't Lose Hope

2008-10-12T13:17:00.002-04:00

There's a lot of bad news these days. In fact, it's down right depressing... unless you keep perspective.

What we are experiencing is an adjustment. Nobody is actually calling this an economic adjustment, but that is what this is. We have ridden out an overinflated market that for the past decade has caused housing prices, salaries, and the stock market to soar. But, none of this was real. It was all on paper. And, it was not a good thing.

Perspective is something that gets better with age. Being over the 50 mark, my perspective is that the overinflated, bloated, fat economy couldn't last. Young people were having a heck of a time getting started because they were unable to catch-up with the inflated prices of homes, cars, and lifestyles. That's what caused them to over expend their credit cards and get mortgages they really couldn't afford. Now they are paying the price.

When I started out, you could actually live on a starting salary, and you could save a few dollars here and there for the down payment on your first house. My first place - a one bedroom condo - cost me $14,300 in 1978. I sold it seven years later for a $10,000 profit and put that against our down payment for our first single family home. It wasn't easy, but I made it a priority to save. SAVE - that word seems to have disappeared from our national vocabulary. And, here we are today, in debt to the Chinese.

But, don't lose hope. There is a way out of this situation. It's that four letter word SAVE. Stop eating out, stop buying stuff you don't really need, and start putting away a couple hundred dollars each month. If everyone in America did this, we'd reclaim our ability to make economically sound decisions. When you spend your real dollars (ones you can touch and see in your bank account), you are much more careful about the financial decisions you make.

Our government should take a lesson in fiscal responsibility too. It's really Simple, Simple.

VOTE - A Four Letter Word?

2008-10-10T22:10:00.003-04:00

This has been quite an election season. Long, but not boring. And, there's been a lot of publicity about how historic this election will be given either an African American will become President or a woman will become Vice President.

So what!

I don't see what race or gender has to do with being qualified to lead this country through it's current economic and ethical crisis. Both of these problems are of historical proportion. What we need now is a President who is smart and fearless. Someone who will do what needs to be done regardless of the pressures from the greedy power mongers who run Washington DC.

The real question is whether or not Obama or McCain are that person.

I dare not speculate... only time will tell.

Choose wisely and make sure you VOTE on election day. Else, you do not have the right to complain. It's that Simple, Simple.

We Must Learn from History...

2008-10-04T17:12:00.001-04:00

Welcome the Poor House!

2008-10-03T20:20:00.006-04:00

I'm living in Bizarro World and I don't like it!

Since when do hard-working, fiscally responsible people get f'd over by their leaders by having to foot the bill for out-of-control corporate greed that bankrupts the country, and to pay down the messes of delusional ignoramuses who thought they could afford a McMansion on a minimum wage salary? Since now!

If you live in America and you work hard and live within your means, then you are f'd! There is absolutely no incentive to do the right thing. I'm one of the poor bastards who scrimped and saved - instead of going out to dinner or taking elaborate vacations - who must now take care of the people who did not save their pennies, but lived beyond their income brackets. To me this is just plain un-American.

We weren't born rich. We made personal sacrifices to send our children to safe, parochial schools and now on top of paying full price for college (because our savings are too substantial to qualify for financial aid), we also now must bail out corporate bandits who robbed their investors blind. Unbelievable!

Hum - that doesn't sound like democracy. It sounds like Communism or socialism or communitarian (which by-the-way didn't survive). America, a country, once proud and strong, now weak and spoiled. I am really pissed off about this. I feel like my entire adult life has been flushed down the toilet and that everything I worked hard to achieve is being taken away, outside my control.

I wish there was a Simple, Simple solution to this major, major situation. I wish I could remain positive while Rome burns around us. I wish I knew how to make lemonade out of these lemons. I don't. I know, this is a major whine. So, please pass the cheese... thanks.

Ode to Uncle Ray

2008-09-25T20:35:00.006-04:00

My only uncle passed away yesterday.

I come from a small family. I once had two uncles and now I have none. Both of my uncles were very unique men. Quirky, smart guys. I thoroughly enjoyed them both while I had them.

Uncle Ray was the textbook Southerner. He was from Louisiana. His people landed in this country back in the 1600's. They came to America from the British Isles. Uncle Ray retired early due to a buy-out offer that was too good to turn down. He was 50 years old at the time. With all this sudden free time, Uncle Ray picked up his small family (Aunt Ruthie and Cousin Carl) and moved back to Bogalusa, LA. There, he took up living his dream - being a cattle rancher. By day, he tended the herd, built his dream house, gardened, fished, and hung out at the firehouse. By night, he did his family's genealogy. For many years, he compiled and published their lengthy existence in this country and the homeland. Much of his work was done before the Internet, so it was a painstaking labor of love.

Uncle Ray had a PH.D in Agriculture. He worked for the Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. It was in the DC area that he met Aunt Ruthie - my side of the family. Uncle Ray was an Entomologist - he studied insects. I remember his huge bug collection at their house in Alexandria, VA. Lot's of large, medium and small bugs suspended via long pins in glass cases. I recall my initial reaction was to repel away, but a second look revealed the lush colors and sleek designs of the creations on display. Uncle Ray knew all their Latin names. It was pretty cool.

What I really liked about Uncle Ray was his keen intellect and his cantankerous nature. In other words, he was fantastic to argue with. Oh yes, Uncle Ray reveled in being ornery. We were usually on complete opposite sides of the issue or topic being discussed, but that only made the debate more lively. He never got mad, but he always looked for an opening to illustrate the point he wanted to make. And, if he could make you admit to his point, he'd kick up his heels and give a good ol' knee slap, with a big grin and twinkle in his eye. Uncle Ray liked to win arguments.

Uncle Ray fell victim to Alzheimer's. But, he kept his wit pretty much to the end. Aunt Ruthie took care of him at home up to the last month when he needed close medical attention. His last words - spoken nine days before he died - "how much longer will this last?"

My mother, brother and I will be heading to Louisiana to help send off Uncle Ray at his Fireman's funeral, Southern style. There's nothing more we can do, but comfort Aunt Ruthie and Cousin Carl. Uncle Ray is now at rest and getting ready to take on the greatest minds in history in some rambuncious endless debates. I can hear him now - laughing with glee at finding some seriously worthy opponents to take on in a battle of the minds.

Happy Birthday Son

2008-09-16T20:25:00.003-04:00

It's my son's birthday (September 17) and I must acknowledge it.

The day he was born was the happiest day of my life. I'd never experienced such a complete feeling of love as when he was put into my arms immediately after the delivery. He wasn't exactly beautiful - his head was cone shaped, earning him the short-lived nickname "Cornelus Conehead." I was lucky to be able to stay home with him until he was nine months old. These were the best days I ever spent. I lived on the baby's schedule. It was so peaceful. For the first few months, there wasn't even the sound of the TV in our house. We had what our friends in California termed "Baby Vision." That's when you sit and watch the baby, together.

(For my daughter's sake, I want to state here that we were also very happy when she was born two years later. But it was different, because we then had a toddler and things were less peaceful around the household at that point in time. It was a completely different experience, but one no less special. So don't pout! On your birthday, I'll tell your story. I promise.)

There are so many wonderful memories of my son (and daughter) growing up. I have truly been blessed by having them in my life. And, I continue to be so. It's different, but I really like the people my children are becoming.

Tomorrow my son turns 19. He'll be celebrating away at college where he's in his second year. I suspect he will have a pretty good day, and that makes me happy. So, Happy Birthday to my young man. And, don't do anything I wouldn't have done when I was a carefree student on my special day. (wink, wink)

September 13 - Postive Thinking Day

2008-09-07T20:38:00.003-04:00

Positive Thinking Day (PTD) 08 is September 13th! We are planning for a bigger and better event this year! The 3 main purposes of PTD are to make the world more positive, find the most positive person, and to raise money for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. We hope that you will join us to change the world... one thought at a time!

COME CELEBRATE WITH US AND HELP US RAISE MONEY TO CURE SPINAL CORD INJURY:

Positive Thinking Day - September 13th - is a day to celebrate the benefits of positive thinking. We believe that by helping people change their thoughts we can make a lasting and positive difference in this world. We hope you will join us in this effort (see list below for ways to participate).

We are also raising money for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation as part of the celebrations. According to Positive Thinking Day organizer, Dr. Harrell, “Christopher Reeve represented the best of positive thinking. It is because of his unwaivering positive attitude that we are proud to be raising money to benefit this foundation. He showed me that we really can choose a positive mindset no matter what the circumstances are. For that I will always be grateful.”

30% of the ipopin.com proceeds from Positive Thinking Day events will go to the Reeve Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WITH POSITIVE THINKING DAY:

**Affirmation - You can help us change the world by focusing on the following affirmation on Positive Thinking Day - I choose to create a great day! (Click here to download this ipopin one minute affirmation for free!)

**Raise $ - When you make a purchase at www.ipopin.com between September 6-14, 2008, 30% your purchase price will be donated to the Reeve Foundation! That's right, ipopin.com will donate 30% of proceeds to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation!

**Pariticipate - Share a tip for staying positive by emailing me between now and 9/13/08 and you will be entered in a drawing to win 3 ipopin CD's. Your tip may be selected to appear in a post on this site.

**Spread the word - Help us spread the word by adding the PTD logo link on your website or blog AND mention PTD in a post between Sept 1-13, 2008. Email me once you do so that I can add a link to you in our PTD Supporter section. You will be entered in a drawing to win 3 ipopin CD's.

**Nominate - You can nominate someone for our Most Positive Person Contest.

Let the fun begin!

Labor Day and the Last of Summer

2008-09-06T10:20:00.003-04:00

I come from a place where we celebrate the laborers. We have a big parade and a weekend-long carnival to recognize the laborer's need for two important things: relaxation and recognition.

The Labor Day Festival is our traditional way of having one last summer fling before getting back into the swing of our "routine" for the other three seasons of the year. The festival has everything you'd expect - food, music, games, community service, rides and beauty contests. It's as American as you can get, especially considering it takes place in the country's first planned community that was built during the Great Depression of the 1930's. This is another reason why we take Labor Day so very seriously. Our city was designed to give the working poor their own homes and to give them that sense of pride that comes from being an engaged member of a community. It was (and still is) a place where people live and work together for the common good, blind to their social-economic, racial, religious differences, bound to the shared sense of community.

This was exactly what FDR and his advisors sought to create. And, I've have been fortunately to have grown up in this environment and to retain my ties to the community through family and friends (for I've moved up the road 15 miles.)

So, I wanted to give praise where it is due. Also, thanks to this year's festival planners. It was better than ever!

The VP's are Making this a lot More Interesting

2008-08-30T10:20:00.002-04:00

Oops - John McCain's done it again...

He's made this election a lot more interesting by picking Sarah Paline as his running mate. Listening to talk radio on both sides of the liberal/conservative positions yesterday was a real fun feast. Nobody knows how this will turn out, but it will definately be more fun to watch.

Joe Biden?

2008-08-23T22:54:00.003-04:00

I'm not a politically astute, I'm an Independent voter, and I have no business writing anything that reflects an opinion about politics. I must express my unhappiness with Democratic presidential candidate Obama's choice of Joe Biden for his VP.

Joe Biden represents the status quo -- he is not a symbol of change, the platform upon which Barack Obama has been stumping for nearly a year now. I haven't forgotten that Biden is tarnished by his lack of honesty while a law student. I don't know if Joe Biden has mended his ways, but I think a liar is always a liar, a cheat is always a cheat, and Joe Biden was shown to be both in his past.

With all the good choices available, why Biden? I don't understand by the Obama champaign would pass up General Clark, Governor Richardson, and even Hillary. All of these people have strong qualifications that would rival those of Joe Biden.

We'll see how all this plays out, but I don't see this a an obvious strategic move. Rather, I see this as a major miscalculation. I don't like John McCain either. But, if he picks Mitt Romney for his running mate, that could very well make them the dream team over the Obama/Biden pairing. I don't get it...

Kids will be Adults (or vs.versa)

2008-08-23T22:26:00.004-04:00

I'm confused.

When do kids become adults? This, as it turns out, is not a simple, simple question. And, when left unresolved, this question can create unwanted tension and confusion.

When I grew up, kids become adults around the age of 16. If not then, definitely upon graduation from high school at age 18, when headed off to college or to become part of the working world. After graduating from college, there was no doubt that you were an adult. This meant you were invited to sit at the adult table and you were expected to carry your load. In return, you were afforded the respect that was given to adults. Adulthood was something we strove to achieve -- and you had to step up and show that you were worthy to be treated as an adult.

We all know that being an adult isn't all fun and games. You no longer get presents for your birthday from your relatives. Perhaps you'll get a card or phone call to convey appropriate greetings and best wishes. You no longer got money when relatives visit. After all, you are now a member of the wage-earning population. And, when you visit, you are expected to lend a hand when there is cooking and clean-up to be done, or other chores to be shared. Heck, you wanted to help out -- it was the correct and proper thing to do.

Something has changed since I made this transition. Today's young adults seem to want to ride the fence for as long as possible to take advantage of both worlds. Well, who wouldn't want that? If you can still get presents, have the others do the cooking and cleaning, and also your laundry, you win!

Well, perhaps... but, I honestly don't see it that way.

I don't think anyone wins in this scenario. I think the younger folks don't learn how to carry their fair share of the weight -- which is a lot lighter if we all lend a hand. And, one day, they will be left to do everything for themselves because we will be gone (or too worn out to do it anymore.) Then what happens? Who knows? I don't, but think this arrangement stinks.

REST is a 4 Letter Word

2008-08-17T09:19:00.003-04:00

Finally. My vacation is here. Well, more accurately my vacation time is here, but I'm still at home.

At this point in my life, I should know you cannot please everyone and should first try to please yourself. But, I haven't yet learned this life lesson. And now this has caused me to lose two days of my precious, once a year beach week. The one week each year I get to go away and forget my work, surrounded my the entire clan in absolutely beautiful surroundings. What went wrong?

I tried to do the "right" thing.

Our travel plans were always to have my husband and I travel to the beach on Saturday. Our two kids are working at summer camp and don't finish until Sunday. They have a car at camp and would come on their own. No problem. But, my daughter (only licensed since February) totaled that car in a beltway accident on Tuesday when she was coming home on her day off from camp. (Praise the Lord she only scraped up her thumbs and walked away otherwise unharmed, but very shook up.) So in going over the options now available to get everyone to the beach, one solution was to have another camp counselor come along and that would provide our kids a ride. Before taking that liberty, I checked with my mid-80's in-laws to see if they wouldn't mind having this "stranger" come for a few days. To me, since my in-laws are paying for the house, this was the proper thing to do.

My in-laws response was it was no problem having the other counselor come along. But, they wanted my husband and I to drive our own kids. This was not a suggestion - this became a source of worry for them (witnessed by no less than 3 phone calls with corresponding lectures on how our children are our most precious things...).

In addition, we had now invited the other counselor to come. So, at age 50+, I am still being told what to do by parents and I have found myself in a frustrating situation because it's Sunday morning and I'm still at home - missing day 2 of my vacation. (I sound like a baby, but I only get 7 days at the beach a year and it takes 5 of them to truly relax, my math says I'm running out of time.)

So, why did this happen? Because I was taught to do the correct, proper, polite and courteous thing, especially when dealing with my elders. And, like it or not (NOT is where I am now), this was a very bad way to handle the situation. If I had not forewarned my in-laws about this change of plans, they would have been happy to see us show up at the beach on Saturday. They wouldn't have expected for our kids to arrive until Sunday. But, again it would have been wrong in my mind to have brought another person into the house without discussing it before hand.

The bottom line is this... others get away with doing what they want all the time. But, I don't because I follow rules that were handed down to me. And, these rules frequently screw things up for me. I could accept the disappointments that come from living by rules designed to make society work if everyone followed these same rules. Which, of course, they don't. Even within our family unit. In talking this out with my husband - also trained in these rules and frustrated by them - I guess it comes down to living by rules that were drilled into your head isn't going to change unless we make a conscious effort to change them.

We should have just said "no" to my husband's family, told them this was our concern and not theirs, and we'd be enjoying the beach now - instead of just finally packing the car. It's that simple, simple.

BTW - we are going to camp, picking up our kids, and leaving directions to the house with the other counselor. That's a f'd up solution, but it's all we've got now.

Hey - It's Time to Get Over it! Race that is...

2008-08-09T21:07:00.003-04:00

Okay, unless you have been in a coma, you know there's an election coming. A big one.

So, where will you be when history is made in November? Yes, either way that it turns out, this will go down in history as the first time a black man was the nominee of one of the major political parties.

To me this focus on race is very tiresome. I guess I first became aware that there were different races was when I was a child. As I grew, I was exposed to people of different religions, races, and creeds. Know what? I was taught that you judged a person by what they did and how they acted, not by their religion, race or creed.

I still believe this - with all my heart... I'm white. I'm female. I'm the product of a Jewish man and a gentile woman (married, in case you wondered). And, I experienced extreme prejudice because I was considered a half-breed and had a Jewish last name.

We had our house egged, our trees covered with toilet paper, the police were called any time our dog barked, and people mumbled things under their breath when we passed by. My mother told us this was their problem, not ours. And, I believed her with all my heart. Still do...

So, I understand what it's like to have people discriminate against you. But, I've never treated others (of any political party, religion, race or creed) with anything but respect. But, because I'm white I'm experiencing some things I really don't like or can tolerate - reverse discrimination and age discriminate (I'm 50 and female and white).

What is it? Human beings are so flawed that they need to have someone else to look down on to make themselves feel better about themselves? This is simply pitiful behavior. I don't plan on spending the last 30 years of my life apologizing for things I had no control over - being born white and for surviving into middle age. Sheesh. And, none of my ancestors owned slaves. We didn't come to American until the 1900's and 1920's. In fact, the Jewish side experienced extreme discrimination in the Warsaw getto - so please cut me some slack. Nobody helped my poor, uneducated, non-English speaking ancestors when they got off the boat at Ellis Island. They did it for themselves. And, there was a lot of prejudice against jews (still is) and Germans.

So, life is what you make of it. If you want to waste precious time complaining and waiting for someone to fix things for you - you won't get squat. It's that simple, simple. Wake up, get up, and do something to make things better - and while you're at it, make things better for all your brothers and sisters on Planet Earth.

Thank you very much.

Life is Short, and Shorter for Some

2008-07-31T21:23:00.002-04:00

Life is a real mystery.

I really mean life, as in right to...

Some people have lot's of kids, even ones they don't really want. My daughter's friend's mother found out she was expected... her two children were 15 and 18 at the time. She thought she was about to regain her freedom, and bam. To top it off, her husband had his manhood fixed eight years earlier. Yes, it was his child, but it took a paternity test to make him believe it. Talk about a real turn of events. After all this drama, the baby was a real joy to them both. Thank goodness.

My cousin and her husband married late. They bought the perfect house in the suburbs. And, they want a baby. Really badly. But, it may not happen for them. Unfortunately, she gets pregnant, but something is preventing going beyond the first few months. Yet, they keep trying despite the pain and emotional stress.

I try hard to avoid political topics because I learned long ago you can be friends with people on the opposite side of political lines only as long as you don't discuss them. So, I'm going to stay away from the Right to Life and Right to Choose stuff. If only life was that simple, simple. If only it was really up to you how things turned out.

Well, it's not.

Ask my cousin, who lost another battle with the universe today as this latest pregnancy was deemed nonviable.

Ah, the Smell of New Leather - Almost

2008-07-17T21:19:00.003-04:00

My car died on I-95.

What could have been a disastrous calamity - the right shoulder was blocked by construction for several miles as the car lost power - turned out okay. Nobody was hurt. My car was irreparable and I had to buy another vehicle, but that was only a matter of spending money. (Not that I had planned to spend this money, but it could have been much, much worse.)

So, I thought I'd capture here the amazing fact that throughout this week of dealing with this major inconvenience, I kept my composure -- and so did the rest of my family, which as also obviously impacted by the loss of one of our family cars.

I'd like to praise AAA - my mother was a passenger in the car as we were traveling home from visiting relatives out of state. She is the AAA member. Thank goodness. Because we broke down in an extremely dangerous location, in the dark, AAA dispatched a tow truck that got to us in 30 minutes. Thank you very much, AAA.

What could have been a very bad experience was truly minimized that night by the effective and professional treatment we received - down to delivering the car to my local repair shop.

Since there were three of us in the car, AAA sent a truck that had sufficient seating for us all.

Believe it or not, despite it all, we only lost a little over 1 hour (and we were stranded 35 miles from home.)

I am now a real believer in AAA service. I realize not all experiences will be this quick and smooth, but it's a real comfort to know that you will never be left alone on the road without help if you have this membership.

I am very thankful all-in-all with how things worked out. Too bad the car was unable to be fixed. But, that was only a car. The people were just fine.

What is the 4th of July All About Anyway?

2008-07-04T09:46:00.006-04:00

It's Independence Day and everyone is writing about how wonderful it is to be an American. This has been a topic of interest for the Presidential candidates of late too. I understand the Obama's when they say things that are often misunderstood, such as "for the first time in my adult life I'm proud of my country." That came from Michele Obama if you didn't know. People were all in an uproar about that and other similar quotes from both Michelle and Barrack.

I'm an Independent voter - I care not for either of the traditional parties. I don't find either of these candidates very exciting when you peel away the media hype. But, these statements have got me thinking about what did they mean.

Just like everyone else, when I was a kid, I loved the flag, Flag Day, the 4th of July, and all the other national holidays and symbols. I grew up in a small Democratic town on the east coast near Washington DC. It's a very politically active community and we had huge parades that all the local and state level politicians marched in, shaking hands along the parade route. People took pride in our similarities and differences, and how well we blended together to form this vive rant community.

It's not like that today. The parade is still held, but it's lost it's luster. No, it's not because I'm now grown up. It's because people don't feel the same way about their country, community, or neighborhood. The atmosphere surrounding national holidays has changed from a celebration of our national heritage, our freedoms, and our democratic system that has served us well for over 200 years. Nope - today it's about sales, eating, and time off from work. The only thing that's the same is the fireworks. (Thank goodness we still have fireworks.)

In this plasticized commercialized society we live in, what does it now mean to be an American? Are you proud of our bloated overweight lifestyle that we've exported to ruin other countries? Are you proud of our leaders who have used fear tactics to bully us so we don't question the industrial combat that's being waged against us from within our own country? Are you proud that Americans are now coach potatoes, allowing the TV to do their thinking for them? Are you proud that we are now among the lowest ranking industrialized countries in our educational scores? Are you proud of our gridlock and pollution? I could go on... Like it or not, this is the Simple, Simple truth.

All these things are just outward symptoms of a country that's lost its way, become lazy, and is on its way down the slippery slope to.... where?

On this Independence Day, don't sit there basking in the accomplishments of past generations. Get motivated to do something to save our country for this and for future generations.

Enjoy the fireworks tonight. And, pray for political fireworks that are much needed to get us back on track, for we've lost our way.

Maxine for President

2008-06-27T18:26:00.013-04:00

Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in this country lately: illegal immigation, hurricane recovery, alligators attacking people in Florida. Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. It's a win-win situation. Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border. Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies. Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.

Sometimes I think Maxine should run for president. She was right on with this one!

Think about this one...

Cows
The Constitution
The Ten Commandments

COWS
Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.

THE CONSTITUTION
They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq .... Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore.

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS
The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this: You cannot post 'Thou Shalt Not Steal,' 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery,' and 'Thou Shall Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians...It creates a hostile work environment.

PART OF THE PROBLEM
Think about this: If you don't want to forward this for fear of offending someone-- YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM!

It is Time for America to Speak up ! Yep, I passed it on! Thanks, Mom for emailing this to me!

A Good Sense of Humor is Essential to Survive

2008-06-23T16:33:00.003-04:00

The world lost George Carlin last night. Whether or not you liked his comedy, and I recently came to appreciate it, you cannot deny the value of a good laugh. Laughing is supposed to keep us young. It's been medically proven that laughing - a real belly laugh - brings essential oxygen into your body. More importantly, laughing reduces stress, for free. It doesn't get any more Simple, Simple than this.

Personally, I would rather see a nightly venue of stand-up comedians on TV than the endless parade of medications designed to help you sleep, improve digestion, and help with depression.

Thanks, George for the many years of healthful laughter and mind provoking thought! Rest in peace.

Here's to Dad!

2008-06-15T21:56:00.006-04:00

Today is Father's Day. My father passed away 12 years ago just shy of his 65 birthday. I am very lucky to still have my father-in-law, Stanley, who will be 87 in August. When my own Dad passed away, Stash told me not to despair, that he was now my father. So on this day devoted to fathers, I wanted to recognize these two men and the impact they each have had on me.

My own Dad, Bill, was a real character. He enjoyed life and lived it in an unorthodox way. Because he didn't care what other people thought of him, he was either very liked or very disliked. There wasn't much "gray" about Dad. He lived his life as it suited him. While this lifestyle wasn't always rewarding, Dad would have it no other way. He worked hard at maintaining his independent, free-wheeling ways. To me, he was a great Dad. We had a lot of fun together and he loved me unconditionally. From Dad I learned to be myself and to go after the things I want.

My father-in-law, Stanley, is a rock solid hard-working man who is devoted to his family. He is always there for his wife and four kids, their families, and his friends. He knows how to work hard -- he works with his hands -- and he plays just as hard. To me, he is a great Dad. And, he loves me as if I was one of his own children. From Stanley, I learned the value of family and I love his son dearly.

I am so very lucky to have two great Dads in my life; two larger than life kinda men. How blessed I am! As I think of how different these two men are, I'm struck by the fact that both are so outstanding -- and in completely different ways -- that they leave their mark on the people they know. I believe that is a sign of a life well lived.

Life's Too Short - Make the Most of It

2008-06-13T19:24:00.002-04:00

Suddenly today, a well-known local and national news figure died - relatively young at 58. It's in these moments that you realize life is short and it could end at any time, without warning. It's always sad when someone dies at work without having the opportunity to prepare and make their peace with family, friends, and associates. Since I can't control when I'll die, I am going to make sure that whenever it happens, I am not leaving behind unfinished business.

Of course, I'm talking about the important business of life -- making sure family, friends, and associates know how I feel about them; making sure I leave with a few hard feelings about me as is possible; doing whatever I can while I'm here to make a difference in the lives of other people; etc. You get the idea. It's simple, simple.

I've passed the 50 mark and have important things left undone - such as making a new will, organizing my papers, disposing of all the junk I really don't need, writing my great American novel... oh yes, I've got at least one book in me.

In light of my new positive thinking philosophy, I have begun to visualize having these things done and being at peace (ready for the big one to hit without any regrets.) What about you?

It's a New Year for Me - It's Going to be Great!

2008-06-10T16:09:00.006-04:00

I don't want to start another year without celebrating the great day that I'm having. Everything is perfect, from breakfast out with my husband and daughter to enjoying a slow paced, quiet day (away from work and the hustle of my job.) In line with my focus on being positive and visualizing how I want my life to be, I predict this is going to be a very good year.

I hope you are enjoying today too! (Feel free to celebrate with me today.)

The Return of Positive Thinking

2008-06-06T18:33:00.002-04:00

Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993) wrote the "Power of Positive Thinking" a long time ago. When I learned of it, I was seriously skeptical and didn't pay it any attention. Now, 35 years later, I am convinced this is exactly right.

For the past week, I have been making a concerted effort to focus on the good, to use the power of projection to visualize things the way I want them to be, and generally attempt to be positive. I know in the short term I was less stressed out this week. I'm hoping that the long term benefits are absolutely amazing... we'll see.

Regardless of whether or not my inner-most desires become reality in the long run, I truly believe that if everyone adopted a positive attitude, things would massively improve around the world.

Too simple? Well, that's how I prefer to work my way through my life - Simple, simple!

Thank you, Mr. Peale, you "Champion of Positive Thinking." Let's give this a go again, shall we?

Life is Good

2008-06-01T21:55:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful day it was today. I spent the day with my family doing things together. Nothing out of the ordinary, but good stuff that the whole family took part in doing. It felt really good. So good that I wanted to memorialize this goodness here. It was a Simple, Simple day.

I think it's worth saying something good. Good thoughts attract goodness. It's a simple, simple law of nature. When you are happy you have a good day. When you are happy, the people around you can't help but be happy. I recently was introduced to a concept that states positive thoughts can enable you to create the life you want. Conversely, negative thoughts beget negativity and attract bad things to you.

Think about it. Now, go out and have a good day!

Gas Crisis? I Can't Tell!

2008-05-31T10:01:00.000-04:00

The talk radio and news radio stories keep announcing how people are changing their driving habits because gas costs too much. Well, I can't tell. In the DC area, gridlock continues. Even on non-rush hour times, there are just as many cars on the roads as when gas costs were half today's prices.

Perhaps this area will hold on to our gas-gosling habits longer because we are (suposedly) more affluent then other parts of the country. Or, could it be that there are more selfish people living in the DC metro area per capita than elsewhere? Whatever the reason, I haven't noticed any changes.

My own gas consuming behavior hasn't changed despite my keen awareness and excessive knowledge (ha) of the economical and ecological damage being done. At least I have someone else to blame for this...

I live in an area where there is NO public transportation. If I were to give up my car, I would have to walk or ride my bike a minimum of 3 miles to get to the closest bus stop. I probably won't bike because there's no place to lock up at the bus stop, which is in a fairly deserted area. Now that I've gotten on the bus, I'd be taken to another bus stop to switch lines. Then, that second bus would take me to the metro/subway - but it's the wrong line to get me to work. So, next I commute via subway to a hub station and transfer lines. Then finally, I get to the station where I work and I walk to my building. I actually haven't done this, but I estimate this would take me nearly 2 hours to complete. Perhaps less, but definitely no less than 1.5 hours. I get to work via car in 20 minutes.

So, which transportation option has the smaller carbon footprint? Doesn't one 4 cylinder car leave a smaller footprint than two buses and two subway trains? Especially if I keep my car well tuned?

I don't know that any of this accurate. But this is one case where I will be selfish and continue to drive myself. When I factor in the loss of personal time (of which I am already at a deficit), I'm not willing increase the time it takes to get to and from work, nor to mention the burden of using public transportation - dealing with people, fighting for seats, using aging and broken fare card equipment, broken escalators, hot subway conditions, the strain of carrying your possessions, and the danger factor.

I hope this exercise demonstrates why people here aren't doing more to cut down on their consumption of gasoline. I blame the urban planners and elected officials here for not getting us better public transportation options. Oh yeah, these are the same people who are responsible for all the over-development in this area. Shame on them for being inept at their jobs. However, we ultimately can only blame ourselves for making bad voting choices and for not being vigilante about their actions (or lack of).

Sorry, there's no simple, simple answer to this problem except to pick up and move to an area that's been better managed. That may not be a bad idea.

Shoulder Hogs and Telecommuting - The Odd Couple

2008-05-29T22:28:00.000-04:00

Sorry, but I've got to grip about more bad driving habits exhibited by our selfish friends.

Road shoulders have now become extra driving lanes! Not!

Yes, people in the DC area are actually driving down the right AND left shoulders of the road when traffic isn't moving fast enough to suit them. It's unbelievable and very, very dangerous. My new driver daughter was almost hit the other day when she legally merged into the right turn lane and found another car was already there, driving down the shoulder to make the same right turn. If bad luck had prevailed instead of good, my daughter's car would have been hit from behind. In this state, that is automatically the car in front's fault. Ouch. Being just sixteen, she would have been in a bad position having had her license for only three months. Thanks goodness nothing bad happened. But, she was shook up.

Shoulder drivers are also seen on I-95 during rush hour on either end of the work day. I want to know why the local and state police aren't putting a quick stop to this problem before it gets further out-of-control. I, of course, am looking for a simple, simple way to discourage bad behavior. I think it should be okay to open your car door when you see another driver coming down the shoulder and it should automatically be their fault. I would have to seriously consider doing this in light of the harm such retaliation would do to the drivers of both cars. This is probably not a good idea - but what then?

Traffic in this area is bad, being only second to LA in gridlock. But, what makes people think they can completely ignore simple, simple driving rules like shoulders are not driving lanes?

I guess the real answer is to telecommute (a.k.a. working from home.) It's an old idea that's taking much too long to be realized. It's not a technological issue, but rather the lack of trust between supervisors and workers that is keeping telecommuting from being implemented widely across the area (if not the country). Telecommuting would save gas, reduce carbon emissions, and would greatly reduce the number of cars on the roads. It would save wear-and-tear on cars, on roads, and on other components of the transportation infrastructure. Telecommuting would also help truckers and others who can't work from home by removing traffic and other obstacles that create delays and waste gas. This could result in lower food costs, as well as price reductions in other goods transported over our highways.

Telecommuting is today's simple, simple solution to a lot of major problems.

(And, you can work in your pj's! Yea!)

Where did all the flowers go?

2008-05-28T19:31:00.000-04:00

Every bit of undeveloped space is being bulldozed.

My dad sold real estate for over twenty years and he always said the measure of a good property was by "location, location, location." Well that's apparently not true any more. Houses are going up on tiny, weeny strips of land next to highways, byways, and overpasses. Yuck.

Worse than this over-development is that the trees are being destroyed. Now, in case you don't know it, trees are our source of oxygen on Planet Earth. Houses do not replenish the air that we breath. Instead, they pollute and increase carbon emissions. All bad. Repeat, this is bad. I know some of you need things put in simple, simple terms (like me).

Some stupid folks were recently overheard saying, "Where did all these deer in my back yard come from?" Dah - you house is sitting where their home once was. They have no place else to go. Don't you like sharing your yard with Bambi? Oh yeah, be careful driving around your new neighborhood at night... Bambi doesn't have lights.

I am dazed and confused by all the development going on around my town. I'm actually happy to see the housing market slow down. People - buy used, errrr, previously owned homes. Please! It's good for you and better for the planet and our furry friends with whom we share limited living space. Oh, and yes, this is also a solution for our slumping economy.

So, save the planet, the animals, and the economy - buy a resale instead of new construction.

Thanks and good night. Oh yeah, watch out for Bambi.

Memorial Day - Happy Holiday - Not!

2008-05-26T12:05:00.001-04:00

It's the Memorial Day national holiday and I don't want to be remiss and not give the proper greeting. But, as this is a day of reflection on the sacrifice of others on our behalf, I am sure it is not right to say "Happy Memorial Day."

Yet, that's what people say. Probably because they are happy not to go to work. But, let's not mix our personal pleasure with national perspective.

Memorial Day here in the Nation's Capitol is filled with people remembering our fallen heroes and those who have served in the military past and present. "Rolling Thunder" is here this weekend and it's hard to miss them as they roar through our streets. I applaud them and always give them the high sign as they pass by. It's been a long time now since the Vietnam War ended and we should never forget. Oops - I guess our country's leaders did or they wouldn't have gotten us into another similar situation. None-the-less, we still have unaccounted for and missing service men from that engagement and until those families can put Vietnam to rest, I agree we should not forget our MIA's.

My Dad served in the Korean conflict - it wasn't a real war technically. He was proud of this and was entitled to a military burial when he passed away. Today, there is an American flag fluttering above his grave at Annapolis' military cemetery and he'd like that. And, I feel good knowing he got his final wish to be laid to rest there.

I'm not so sure that the kids serving in the two wars we're currently engaged in will get to feel as good about their service in the final chapter of their lives. They are brave and I commend them for their willingness to serve. I have difficulty with equating their service with being "for our country." Sorry, but I'm being honest. It feels more like service for "Bush's and Chaney's companies."

I try really hard not to be political in my writings - mostly because I'm the first to admit that I'm less informed than I could (and should) be. I try to remain in firmly rooted in the middle and to keep things as simple as possible. Hence, the theme of this blog. Any student of history -- or even any student, period -- could have predicted going to war in the Middle East is a bad idea.

On this Memorial Day, I hope all American's will stop picnicking long enough to ponder the purpose of this day and to think about how their voting choices in November will influence the end of today's wars. The next President, and even more so the next Congress, will affect how long these wars continue, how long our country will continue to invest money and lives in other country's conflicts, and how soon we bring this all to resolution - whether a happy resolution or otherwise is also dependent on election choices facing us.

This is a very important Memorial Day!

Hey - Leave the Spaces for the Real Disabled Folks!

2008-05-25T19:01:00.000-04:00

I'm really not going to spend a great deal of time on this topic, but I need to vent. Everywhere I go I see apparently able-bodied people using Handicap hangers to park in spaces reserved for the disabled. Now, this is the height of selfishness.

Yesterday I took my elderly mother out shopping at our local mall. Mom has disabled tags because she can't walk well nor can she walk very far for very long. She recently had a major back surgery to attempt to correct this condition and she's still recovering. In fact, she was particularly wobbly and really needed a parking spot close to the door leading to the store she wanted to visit.

There was one handicap spot left - thank goodness. The door to the van on the right side of the spot, also a handicap spot, was blocked by a man standing with the door open talking to a passenger. As we indicated our intent to part, he jumped up into the van. Hummm. Well, he could have been driving someone who was disabled.

When we came out of the store about 20 minutes later, the people who had parked in the handicap space on the left of Mom's car were coming out too. Not one of them appeared to be disabled. In fact, they were young with small children in tow. Not that young people aren't disabled, but I'd bet my salary everyone in that car was physically fit. Hummm. Wonder how many truly disabled people were unable to park because they took that spot.

I see this all the time, even in the parking garage at work. In fact, one woman whom I actually know, came zooming through the garage and screeched to a halt in the handicapped space closest to the door. She then jumped out and ran up the steps - not even taking the elevator. I doubt if I could run up those steps.

I realize disabilities aren't always visible - I happen to be hard of hearing. But, it's a fact that too many people are using these handicap tags when they aren't disabled. And, that should be a crime in my opinion. I knew another woman at work who got a disreputable doctor to sign her forms requesting a reasonable accommodation to work fewer days and to get handicapped parking tags. My mother - a nurse - knows the doctor and told me he would sign anyone's forms regardless of their actual need. I think this is just another flagrant illustration of someone thinking they are better than everyone else.

Well, in my world such people would end up in jail where they could get plenty of time to ponder their bad behavior. I bet people would think twice before they lied, stole, and cheated old and disabled people out of a privilege they really need to have.

This is shameful. It's that simple, simple.

KISSimple

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Life is Good

My Son

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Another Year

Silence is Golden

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Kids Never Listen!

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My Child is Great!

College Choices, Oh No!

Hey! Kick It Into Gear, Middle Class!

Be Grateful - Things Can be Worse

Economic Warfare - Wake Up America!

Dear Mr. President...

Ah, Love is in the Air

Dump Daschle - Public Opinion Does Work!

Peace, Love, Obama!

It's Finally Here - George W. Bush's Last Day in Office!

Positive New Year - Oh Yeah!

Peace be Unto You All

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Thanks!

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Happy Birthday, Baby Girl

Hate is an Ugly Thing

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The Big Night is Finally Here

Be Careful What You Pray For

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