I was. Really. Tuesday, November 7, 1972. The day Richard Nixon was elected to his second term. You know, the "long national nightmare". At any rate, I'll be 36 tomorrow. I haven't figured out if that puts me in my middle or late 30's. I've really been blessed. But my birthday brings mixed feelings.
I've always been ALL ABOUT my birthday. It's the only day that's all mine. My parents always made a big deal out of birthdays. Even if we couldn't afford a lot, there was always something special they did for us.
Five years ago, November 4, my mother passed away. She was buried - you guessed it - on my 31st birthday. Now, in fairness to my dad, he asked me about it before the arrangements were made. He would have moved the funeral to a different day (probably the next day) if I had asked him to. But really, it wouldn't have mattered. And there was no reason to prolong everything just for that. Now, 5 years later, at 36, I know I made the right decision. The whole stinking week has been hard.
It's hard, because when my mother was 31, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Then when I turned 31, I didn't have her there to celebrate. And I've had 5 more healthy years than she did. When I turned 6, she had been diagnosed. My sister was 3. My kids are 8 & 4, and while I worry about everything, I haven't spent the last few years worried they would grow up without me.
It's a blessing, too. Because if anyone knows to cherish each and every day it is me (and my entire family). If anyone knows that birthdays and holidays are extra special it's us. We don't always remember that, but we always come back to it. It makes us celebrate even more with those we love. It makes me thankful for every day with my family. Even if they're getting on my last nerve.
It's also a blessing because my youngest child is a birthday present. That weekend, 5 years ago my husband was going to take me out while my sister kept my oldest overnight. She did, the next weekend. And nine months later? Colby. Poor child, he'll hate that when he gets older.
And it's hard, because this year, my husband has a training session for Cub Scouts at Boxwell. Yup, on my birthday. He's gonna owe me BIG next weekend. But at least I don't have to worry about another present nine months later.
Anyway, happy birthday to me. I cherish mine for so many reasons. Be sure you enjoy your days, too.
Thursday, November 6
Wednesday, November 5
God Bless America
But we got it wrong. We (as a country) voted for style and not substance.
First, let me say that in one way, this country got it right. It was not about race. While there are still racists in this country and everywhere else, this is not a racist country. I did not vote for him, because his policies and values are not mine, not because of his color.
But his inexperience, his values, his economic policies are not good for America.
The first and second ammendments of the Constitution are in danger. Our military is in danger. Our borders will not be secured. Our national security is in danger.
Barack Obama is a supporter of the Fairness Doctrine and hate speech laws, both of which restrict free speech. He is a supporter of strict gun control. He, his running mate, and his supporters in Congress have all said the military budget will be cut. He supports amnesty for illegal immigrants. Even Joe Biden has said he will be tested in 6 months by other countries.
Barack Obama voted against care for babies born alive after an attempted abortion. He supports partial birth abortion. He supports gay marriage and making it mandatory that all states accept it.
He has said he will raise taxes out of "fairness" not necessity. He has said he will do so even now in the middle of a recession. He has said he will set standards that will "bankrupt the coal industry". Energy & gas prices will rise and people will lose their jobs so companies can attempt to remain in business. The DOW, S&P and Nasdaq are all falling today.
This country has survived worse. The Civil War, Reconstruction, the Great Depression. And it will continue to survive. We have survived bad presidents in the past as well. Most of those only lasted one term. I live here, so (unfortunately) he will by my president, too. I pray for the leaders of this country and will continue to do so - including Barack Obama.
I will also pray that we get it right next time and vote for substance and not style. We get someone that genuinely loves this country and wants to serve it, not for it to serve him. Someone that has ALWAYS been proud of his (or her) country, someone who has ALWAYS been hopeful and optimistic. Someone who KNOWS this is the best country in the world, not who thinks it can be.
First, let me say that in one way, this country got it right. It was not about race. While there are still racists in this country and everywhere else, this is not a racist country. I did not vote for him, because his policies and values are not mine, not because of his color.
But his inexperience, his values, his economic policies are not good for America.
The first and second ammendments of the Constitution are in danger. Our military is in danger. Our borders will not be secured. Our national security is in danger.
Barack Obama is a supporter of the Fairness Doctrine and hate speech laws, both of which restrict free speech. He is a supporter of strict gun control. He, his running mate, and his supporters in Congress have all said the military budget will be cut. He supports amnesty for illegal immigrants. Even Joe Biden has said he will be tested in 6 months by other countries.
Barack Obama voted against care for babies born alive after an attempted abortion. He supports partial birth abortion. He supports gay marriage and making it mandatory that all states accept it.
He has said he will raise taxes out of "fairness" not necessity. He has said he will do so even now in the middle of a recession. He has said he will set standards that will "bankrupt the coal industry". Energy & gas prices will rise and people will lose their jobs so companies can attempt to remain in business. The DOW, S&P and Nasdaq are all falling today.
This country has survived worse. The Civil War, Reconstruction, the Great Depression. And it will continue to survive. We have survived bad presidents in the past as well. Most of those only lasted one term. I live here, so (unfortunately) he will by my president, too. I pray for the leaders of this country and will continue to do so - including Barack Obama.
I will also pray that we get it right next time and vote for substance and not style. We get someone that genuinely loves this country and wants to serve it, not for it to serve him. Someone that has ALWAYS been proud of his (or her) country, someone who has ALWAYS been hopeful and optimistic. Someone who KNOWS this is the best country in the world, not who thinks it can be.
Monday, October 27
Let's talk about Socialism
Barack Obama says he wants to "spread the wealth around". His own words to "Joe the plumber".
So, I went to dictionary.com looked up some key words
"spread": to distribute over a greater or a relatively great area
Barack Obama says he would raise taxes, not out of a need the goverment has for more money,(side note: history has proven the way for the goverment to get more money is to lower taxes) but "out of fairnes".
"fairness": characterized by equity or fairness; just and right; fair; reasonable.
But, he says he's not a socialist. So I looked up "socialism". Here is what I found:
- a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.
- An economic system in which the production and distribution of goods are controlled substantially by the government rather than by private enterprise, and in which cooperation rather than competition guides economic activity. There are many varieties of socialism. Some socialists tolerate capitalism, as long as the government maintains the dominant influence over the economy; others insist on an abolition of private enterprise. All communists are socialists, but not all socialists are communists.
- a term applied about 1872, to a group of German political economists who advocated state aid for the betterment of the working classes.
- A theory or system of social reform which contemplates a complete reconstruction of society, with a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor.
Hmm, sounds like "spreading the wealth" to me...Then I looked up "socialist": One who advocates or practices the doctrines of socialism.
So, what's next? In Marxist theory, socialism is the step in between capitalism & communism.
"From each according to his ability, to each according to his need" - Karl Marx
Yep - I think "socialist" the right word.
Thursday, October 16
Watch out for Murphy
You never know when he's coming. Things are better for me today. But Glenn is having issues at work. He's been having little ones all along and we really should have seen this coming. He hasn't quit - or been fired - yet. But we are officially looking for a new job.
I've known him for almost 15 years and he's only had 2 jobs. He doesn't "shop jobs" and doesn't leave unless he has no choice.
Last time it was the company - they closed the local repair center & we didn't want to move. This time it's about our family. His company basically told them they would be fired if they didn't start working nearly 60 hours weekly - including weekends - starting now. We have plans the next two weekends...Plus, he's the one that gets our son off the bus in the afternoons. He won't be home if he's working all those hours. HIS BOSS KNOWS THIS!!! Could we use the OT money? Who couldn't. Do we need it? Not to survive, no.
He's been an electronics technician of some type (consumer electronics & aircraft electronics) for 14 years. He's a very hard worker, enjoys what he does, great at trouble shooting problems and learns new things quickly. He's loyal - as I said, he's only had those two jobs since I've known him. And he is officially on the market again.
I've known him for almost 15 years and he's only had 2 jobs. He doesn't "shop jobs" and doesn't leave unless he has no choice.
Last time it was the company - they closed the local repair center & we didn't want to move. This time it's about our family. His company basically told them they would be fired if they didn't start working nearly 60 hours weekly - including weekends - starting now. We have plans the next two weekends...Plus, he's the one that gets our son off the bus in the afternoons. He won't be home if he's working all those hours. HIS BOSS KNOWS THIS!!! Could we use the OT money? Who couldn't. Do we need it? Not to survive, no.
He's been an electronics technician of some type (consumer electronics & aircraft electronics) for 14 years. He's a very hard worker, enjoys what he does, great at trouble shooting problems and learns new things quickly. He's loyal - as I said, he's only had those two jobs since I've known him. And he is officially on the market again.
Wednesday, October 15
I've got nothing
But a blank look today. Don't know why. I just want to write something new. I did write something this morning. But I deleted it - since I'm not exactly anonymous. There may not be anyone out there, but all the same...
It's a hard couple of weeks coming up. Not something I've dwelled on, but may be the underlying reason for my mood. And you know what? I don't need any more drama, so I'm dropping mine (at least this latest episode). "Too blessed to be stressed" is a cliche, but true all the same. I have a wonderful husband, great boys, a life that I enjoy. I'm through worrying about it. I just don't have time to worry about insignificant details.
It's a crazy, busy weekend around here. The Fall Festival at school is Saturday. Then the Pre-school track meet (my personal favorite sporting event) is Sunday. Add to that the Vandy-Geogia game (Go 'Dores) and the Titans (the only undefeated team left) game. These are things I truly enjoy.
It's a hard couple of weeks coming up. Not something I've dwelled on, but may be the underlying reason for my mood. And you know what? I don't need any more drama, so I'm dropping mine (at least this latest episode). "Too blessed to be stressed" is a cliche, but true all the same. I have a wonderful husband, great boys, a life that I enjoy. I'm through worrying about it. I just don't have time to worry about insignificant details.
It's a crazy, busy weekend around here. The Fall Festival at school is Saturday. Then the Pre-school track meet (my personal favorite sporting event) is Sunday. Add to that the Vandy-Geogia game (Go 'Dores) and the Titans (the only undefeated team left) game. These are things I truly enjoy.
Wednesday, October 8
Scary Stuff
Glenn & I aren't overly concerned about the credit crisis, because we don't need it. We aren't overly concerned about the housing market because we aren't selling - or planning to in the near future. We aren't panicking about the stock market because all we have invested is in 401k's and IRAs. We're 38 & 36 so we have a while before we have to think about it. This doesn't mean we aren't sympathetic. Our parents are dealing with some of this and we worry for them.
Neither of us is too terribly concerned about our jobs because we have an emergency fund and we're both hard workers and willing to do anything to support our family. I understand there are people out there without jobs. I understand it's hard - I've been there. But, let me tell you something, I would clean houses, deliver newspapers , flip burgers or whatever else it took to keep my family afloat - so would my husband.
We are a dual income family that isn't living paycheck to paycheck, but not on easy street. My husband & I budget very carefully and live well within our means so that our children will be able to go to college and we can make our house payment in full and on time each month. We have no other debt and we have a decent emergency fund. We don't struggle, but we do have to be careful.
We aren't unique in money matters. There are a lot of people in our exact situation. Perhaps we are unique in that we aren't scared. We'll do what it takes to survive.
My point is, none of this money stuff scares me right now. Barack Obama does. There are a lot reasons he scares me, and maybe I'll talk about some of those later, but the economy is supposedly his strong point. And he's wrong.
We benefited from the tax cuts. Are we "super-wealthy"? Letting the tax cuts expire is the same as raising taxes - on everyone, not just those making over 250K. How else is going to pay for all of his entitlements? And if he raises taxes on businesses, who do you think is going to pay that additional cost? Not the business. Prices will go up.
I have compassion for those who need help. That is why I give to charities. Charities of my choice. Giving will suffer if taxes are raised. I will not change what I'm giving to my church (provided my income doesn't change). But others will. And we may not be able to give to some of the other charities currently on our list. And those charities, the people that work for them and the people that they help will be hurt.
Healthcare and health insurance are two different things. No hospital is going to turn someone in need away. But, the cost of healthcare for those of us that pay it is going up simply because so many don't pay for it. The hospitals have got to keep operating. The money has to come from somewhere. The government? Where is it going to get the money? US. And when the government takes over? You may not be able to get necessary tests or medicine because someone else will be making that decision for you.
Mortgages? Have you noticed the PMI on yours? Mine is around $90 a month. You know why we pay that? Because of all the people that default. Because of the sub-prime loans. Because banks (and Freddie & Fannie) got greedy and people made bad decisions.
Think the $700 billion bailout was a lot? You ain't seen nothin' yet.
NOTE: Let me say here, that I understand John McCain voted for some of this, too. I understand he leans toward big government. He was not my first choice in the primary. But, my priorities line up better with his that Obamas. Not just economically. And that made my decision.
Neither of us is too terribly concerned about our jobs because we have an emergency fund and we're both hard workers and willing to do anything to support our family. I understand there are people out there without jobs. I understand it's hard - I've been there. But, let me tell you something, I would clean houses, deliver newspapers , flip burgers or whatever else it took to keep my family afloat - so would my husband.
We are a dual income family that isn't living paycheck to paycheck, but not on easy street. My husband & I budget very carefully and live well within our means so that our children will be able to go to college and we can make our house payment in full and on time each month. We have no other debt and we have a decent emergency fund. We don't struggle, but we do have to be careful.
We aren't unique in money matters. There are a lot of people in our exact situation. Perhaps we are unique in that we aren't scared. We'll do what it takes to survive.
My point is, none of this money stuff scares me right now. Barack Obama does. There are a lot reasons he scares me, and maybe I'll talk about some of those later, but the economy is supposedly his strong point. And he's wrong.
We benefited from the tax cuts. Are we "super-wealthy"? Letting the tax cuts expire is the same as raising taxes - on everyone, not just those making over 250K. How else is going to pay for all of his entitlements? And if he raises taxes on businesses, who do you think is going to pay that additional cost? Not the business. Prices will go up.
I have compassion for those who need help. That is why I give to charities. Charities of my choice. Giving will suffer if taxes are raised. I will not change what I'm giving to my church (provided my income doesn't change). But others will. And we may not be able to give to some of the other charities currently on our list. And those charities, the people that work for them and the people that they help will be hurt.
Healthcare and health insurance are two different things. No hospital is going to turn someone in need away. But, the cost of healthcare for those of us that pay it is going up simply because so many don't pay for it. The hospitals have got to keep operating. The money has to come from somewhere. The government? Where is it going to get the money? US. And when the government takes over? You may not be able to get necessary tests or medicine because someone else will be making that decision for you.
Mortgages? Have you noticed the PMI on yours? Mine is around $90 a month. You know why we pay that? Because of all the people that default. Because of the sub-prime loans. Because banks (and Freddie & Fannie) got greedy and people made bad decisions.
Think the $700 billion bailout was a lot? You ain't seen nothin' yet.
NOTE: Let me say here, that I understand John McCain voted for some of this, too. I understand he leans toward big government. He was not my first choice in the primary. But, my priorities line up better with his that Obamas. Not just economically. And that made my decision.
Monday, October 6
It just gets better and better!
No this isn't a football blog - I just can't help myself!
Check this out:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex
Vanderbilt hasn't been 5-0 since 1943. They haven't beaten Auburn since 1955. They haven't been ranked since 1984. There are a couple of other things that haven't been done in a while, but they haven't reached those goals just yet...
I'll be 36 next month and I've been a Vandy fan since I was old enough to say "Go 'Dores". I tell my husband (the UT fan) I was raised right. I've been through it all: the 24 years between UT wins, the multiple seasons without an SEC win. I was at the game where they broke a several season streak and won an SEC game. The one where the cops ran the students off the field before they got to the goal posts. I've been to games with less attendance than the local high schools have. I've been to the UT games with more orange in the stands than gold, the Alabama games with more red. I've been to games and stayed to the bitter end while the stadium emptied. I've watched them lead teams going into the 4th quarter only to blow it. I've listened to the local sports guys say they shouldn't even be in the SEC. (side note here: football is the only sport in which they don't compete with the rest of the conference, so there was never any real reason for them to be out). I've watched the seasons where they start 4-0 (most recently 2005) only to miss out on a bowl game because they blew the rest of the season.
My point is I am a true fan. There are a lot of us out there. As a Vanderbilt fan, you learn not to trash talk. You learn to cheer quietly. You learn to be proud of the small accomplishments. And we are finally starting to get louder. We are finally starting to be rewarded. And we are nervous. (I watched Saturday night's game between my fingers.) But we are proud and we believe...
GO VANDY!
Check this out:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex
Vanderbilt hasn't been 5-0 since 1943. They haven't beaten Auburn since 1955. They haven't been ranked since 1984. There are a couple of other things that haven't been done in a while, but they haven't reached those goals just yet...
I'll be 36 next month and I've been a Vandy fan since I was old enough to say "Go 'Dores". I tell my husband (the UT fan) I was raised right. I've been through it all: the 24 years between UT wins, the multiple seasons without an SEC win. I was at the game where they broke a several season streak and won an SEC game. The one where the cops ran the students off the field before they got to the goal posts. I've been to games with less attendance than the local high schools have. I've been to the UT games with more orange in the stands than gold, the Alabama games with more red. I've been to games and stayed to the bitter end while the stadium emptied. I've watched them lead teams going into the 4th quarter only to blow it. I've listened to the local sports guys say they shouldn't even be in the SEC. (side note here: football is the only sport in which they don't compete with the rest of the conference, so there was never any real reason for them to be out). I've watched the seasons where they start 4-0 (most recently 2005) only to miss out on a bowl game because they blew the rest of the season.
My point is I am a true fan. There are a lot of us out there. As a Vanderbilt fan, you learn not to trash talk. You learn to cheer quietly. You learn to be proud of the small accomplishments. And we are finally starting to get louder. We are finally starting to be rewarded. And we are nervous. (I watched Saturday night's game between my fingers.) But we are proud and we believe...
GO VANDY!
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