The Tardy Long Weekend Update

I know, I know, I know… I had all that time off and all those plans to do something spectacular here and I got nothing done. I’m a bad, bad blogger….not even checking in since Wednesday night. Sorry!

I hope everyone’s Thanksgiving (or just regular ole’ Thursday) was as uneventful as mine. We traveled (with my world famous stuffing) to my In-laws for dinner. The dinner was fine, (please don’t cook the Thanksgiving Turkey in a roaster ever again, no matter what I said, it is not “just as good”), the stuffing survived the trip, (please don’t buy the pies at Sam’s Club ever again, they are no where near homemade and I was disappointed), and there was no family strife (at least it wasn’t visible or discussed). Late Thursday afternoon we traveled to my parents house for the dinner of leftovers (turkey was browned, pies were homemade, stuffing wasn’t as good as mine) where potential political arguments were squashed with tongue biting and room leaving, and there was much entertaining of my sisters 2 year-old son.

Friday we blissfully slept in, lolly gaged around the house and eventually got ourselves presentable for the refinancing closing. Everything went fine, and we topped off the event by buying the kids their Christmas Present and getting Mr. Motorcycle a Turkey Cooker (which he plans on using for lots of things other than cooking turkeys). We spent hours Friday night rearranging the kids tv room to find the best way to set-up the new computer, and it now looks better than it did before. I’m looking forward to adding a few finishing touches and that room will be DONE!

Saturday morning Mr. Motorcycle and I got up bright and early so we could make a run to IKEA!!! I love Ikea. We bought a lot of stuff, filled the truck and headed home in time to unload, eat lunch and zoom to Gameboys’ basketball tournament. Believe me, there is absolutely nothing to say about the tournament other than, that place was cold, and those kids need some more practice.

Sunday, we pretended to be heathens and skipped church. Mr. Motorcycle spent almost all day assembling and installing all of our Ikea purchases, and with just a few things left to do, Gameboy’s room is ALMOST DONE! I cleaned, did laundry, made Turkey Soup, watched a lot of sports and got a dose of Desperate Housewives.

So, it was another long, busy, blogging-free weekend. Hopefully it picks up from here and I’ll find something to blog about. When the rooms are done I will present photographic evidence of my design “skills” – commence hysterical laughter now.

Here’s to a happy uneventful Monday!

Read more...

Thanksgiving Eve

I’m afraid this is going to be short (okay maybe) and sweet (we’ll leave that up for grabs) tonight, I’ve got the writing bug and we don’t want to squelch that.

Last night I mentioned school conferences and nobody seemed to pick up on them…hmmm. They actually went very well; Gameboy had a rough start to the year(no news there) but is doing well now. He gets along with and seems to relate better to adults (again no surprise), leans toward math & science, is bright, funny, and well mannered but should spend a little more time on assignments. YEAH GAMEBOY! I was so proud, we’ve really come a very long way.

Princess has always been a good student, so we typically don’t worry about her class work, we are more concerned with her becoming bored. She is very social, and this can be her undoing, but her teacher (the only male elementary teacher) has her totally under control and is watching to make sure she is continually challenged. He did bring up that her reading skills are much higher than we had originally assumed, so we are going to start requiring that she read more difficult books than the other kids

Today we went to the library so I could pick up a few books and Princess tagged along. I let her get some crazy cartoon book, but then I insisted on a more difficult, more brain appropriate book. One of the books on her recommended list was Beloved by Toni Morrison, she looked it over but it didn’t appeal to her. So I took her across the library and pulled one of my most treasured reads, The Diary of Anne Frank. She is upstairs reading it right now, and I think she likes it.

I was hoping to get going on some home type projects today, but instead Princess and I spent the day searching for new linens for just about every room of the house with no luck at all. It appears that I may actually have to break out the sewing machine and *gasp* make the linens. I’m sure that will give me plenty to blog about.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and although I have yet to devise a way of getting my WORLD Famous stuffing (Stove-Top Long Grain & Wild Rice) to our dining destination without it getting nasty or cold I have been thinking a lot about the little things I’m thankful for. Now, don’t go getting all weepy on me, I’m not talking about health or wealth or love…I’m talking about those little things that make your day. I’ve come up with 4 so far, so here goes:

I’m thankful for the man at the Gas N Go (late 20’s, possibly Moroccan, great accent) that flirts with me when I go in to pay for gas, it’s nice to know (from someone other than Mr. Motorcycle) that I still have “IT”.

I’m thankful for country music, because it brings us HOT cowboys in tight jeans.

I’m thankful for the NBA, because 9 months out of the year I can ogle fine looking bodies from the comfort of my couch without appearing to be an old letch.

I’m thankful for the lady at the liquor store that continues to card my 34 year-old weary looking self; she makes me smile.


So, tell me something you’re thankful for


HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!


**fancy text courtesy of Busymom

Read more...

To the dentist we will go....again!

I have a massive headache, and it’s all due to my dentist appointment this morning. Considering the fact that this was my 4th visit in less than 30 days you’d think I quit brushing and flossing over a year ago; but no, I just have very bad teeth.

Today I was supposed to get two cavities filled, but it became three when he revealed another cavity while drilling. JUST LOVELY! I spent 90 minutes upside down in the dentist chair, ugh! And after the novacain wore off I was left with a throbbing headache that won't yield to any amount of Tylenol.

Even with the headache I did manage to get quite a few other chores and errands done today including school conferences, the children were shaking with fear (yeah right). I also spent a lot of money at the liquor store, because you can never have too much wine.

I’m hoping that tomorrow I’ll be able to get a few home projects done, and if all goes well I may even have pictures to post by the end of the weekend.

Thanks for all the positive comments on the bathroom, I’ll be sure and pass them on to Mr. Motorcycle.

Read more...

AFTER!

This is what I found Friday night when I got home from work! All I have left to do is get a picture or shelf to go over the toilet and get new linnens and a better stylish soap dispenser! Isn't Mr. Motorcycle Wonderful - I Am SOOO SPOILED!

Read more...

BEFORE MY SURPRISE

This isn't my actual powder room, its from the model. Image this same kind of room only - no wallpaper - beige paint - no funky white cabinet - plain faucet - same white fixtures - same oval mirror - NASTY light fixture.

Read more...

The Weekend News - Sports

I am a BIG NBA Basketball fan. My crush on Kevin Garnett is legendary, and my die-hard dedication to the Timberwolves can be mind blowing, they have the ability to rule my world. Fortunately Mr. Motorcycle likes basketball nearly as much as I do, so it doesn’t interfere with our family life too much and Mr. Motorcycle doesn’t refer to himself as an NBA Widower.

This has not been the most stellar weekend (or year) for sports. There are a lot of professional and amateur athletes acting in a very unprofessional manner. The melee in Detroit is only another example of a long line of misbehavior.

While the suspensions were being handed down and the news was focused on the bad boys of the league, I was reminded of the good guys. Saturday night the Timberwolves played the New Orleans Hornets. With 3:55 to play in the 2nd quarter Kevin was fouled hard on a dunk attempt and injured the shoulder of his shooting arm; he came back, fought through the pain and ended up getting his eighth double-double of the season. That is professionalism.

They aren’t all bad guys, the news just focuses on those. They rarely talk about the guys that take pay-cuts to allow their team to get better, they don’t publicize the players that give more than money to the community and they surely don’t brag about the ones that go home to their families every night.

They never talk about the guys that say

“We all people at the end of the day” ~ Kevin Garnett

I’d like to see more of the good stuff, how about you?

If you are so inclined please go vote for “The Best Player On The Planet” to be in the All Star Game – I’d really like to see one of the good guys be the top vote getter. NBA ALL STAR BALLOT

Read more...

The Weekend News - Politics

The political news over the weekend was full of low points. I’m dismayed by the passage of this bill. Listen folks, they’re doing things behind our backs and we can’t let them get away with it. I know the Presidential election is over and we’re stuck with George for 4 more years, but there are congress people and senators whose cages can and should be rattled hard. Please go rattle them, without them George’s hands can be tied.

If you’re interested in more reasons to rattle their cages, Kerstin has a great post on current issues and events that we should all be concerned about like our environment and our bodies among others.

We may find that some of the upcomming issues are common ground issues. If we are able to curb the anger toward the party and the man we may find people from the Republican Party who are willing to fight along side us on certain issues. I know that it would be very hard, but when it comes to reproductive rights, the environment and other issues; we may find that the best work can be done by setting aside our anger and finding common ground because a bi-partisan army will be stronger and louder.

Read more...

I'm on a roll - but not a roll

You Are the Stuffing

You're complicated and complex, yet all your pieces fit together. People miss you if you're gone - but they're not sure why.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Shamelessly borrowed from Busymom

Read more...

Best Monday EVER!

Did you know that Thanksgiving is this week? I’m all giddy with excitement! It’s not because I have to buy wine, make stuffing or even devise a way to get the stuffing to my In-laws 1 hour away without it getting cold and nasty. No Sirreeebob, its because today is the ONLY DAY I WORK THIS WEEK! I have never in my life had such a magnificent wonderful giddy filled Monday!

Hopefully these work type people won't rain on my friggin parade!

Read more...

Catching Up

Well it was another weekend with no blogging, even though I had the best intentions.
I have a lot to say about the news events of the weekend, but we’ll start with the “What we did over the weekend” and go from there.

Princess has laryngitis with a barky little cough. The irony of this may be lost on you dear internet, but one of Princesses favorite things to do is to talk. She talks to herself, out loud, ALL THE TIME, in the bathroom, in the shower, in bed, while doing her homework, while playing... She’s doing well enough to go to school today but she won’t be able to talk, her teacher will be thrilled!

Gameboy had a big Middle School Dance Friday night. The big news is that he danced, with girls, OLDER girls. Apparently Gameboy morphs from mild mannered (somewhat nerdy) catholic school boy to ladies man when he goes through the doors of the gym. The dance was for all middle school students from our church so he was mixing with public school girls he doesn't even know….I’m hoping I can get the adult version of events from one of his teachers this week since they did the chaperoning.

Saturday we were at my sisters to celebrate my nephew's 2nd Birthday. Apparently the only thing in the world that matters to him is trucks. He likes to play with the “Big Truck” and the “Little Truck” he got; we didn’t get him a truck, we got him some books and a magna doodle. I did derive great pleasure from his pronunciation of the word “Truck”, proof that this is my nephew, he ran around Yelling, Big Truck, Little Truck, My Truck, Truck, Truck, Truck…. hee hee hee hee

Sunday I cleaned the “Corner of shame”. When we moved into the house everything that didn’t have a place went into a corner of the basement, since we moved in we’ve put more into that corner of the basement. Nothing was labeled, nothing was neatly stacked, there were boxes that had been opened and dug through all over. I now have an organized, labeled stack of stuff, that although not pretty is SOOO MUCH BETTER, and not shameful at all.

I also got all the laundry done, the bills paid and even managed to buy the groceries.

I almost forgot to mention that I got a super wonderful surprise from Mr. Motorcycle on Friday, and I have pictures, but since I left them at home you’ll have to wait until tonight to see my super surprise.

So, that was my weekend, what’d you do?

Read more...

Ooh the Pain

Today has been totally shot for me, sure I was doing actual work but it was sucky, ticky, tacky work. I was redoing a document that our attorney got in a pissing match with their attorney over - and what that translated into was CursingMama retyping almost all 20+ pages. I swear that if attorney’s had to do their own typing they wouldn’t be so ticky tacky pissy about every word in every friggin' document that comes their way, taking one word and making it 3 - ARGH. The most ironic part of the whole friggin’ deal – they always specify “reasonable’” attorneys fees, because otherwise their fees would be unreasonable.

Take the fact that it is Friday, and combine it with my keyboard needing to be replaced, my area is the opposite of ergonomic, and the 20+ page wringer I just went through, and my wrists ACHE! It will definitely be a wrist brace night tonight…..and no knitting :-(

Read more...

Miscegenation

According to Merriam-Webster Online Miscegenation is

a mixture of races; especially : marriage, cohabitation, or sexual intercourse between a white person and a member of another race

This is a post I really want to get right. I want it to be thoughtful and thought provoking. I want people to understand why I see the issue of same-sex marriage the way I do, and I want people who support "defense of marriage" acts to take a good long look at it from my point of view.

The issue of gay marriage/civil-union is very near and dear to my heart, probably one of my top issues. Why would I, a married Catholic woman with nobody in my "real life" that would be affected by such a law (that I know of anyway), care about this? I care about it because I am half of an interracial marriage, and until 1967 our family would have been legally impossible in 38 states. Actually our family would've been illegal in ALL states prior to 1942; it was only then when states began repealing their anti-miscegenation laws.

This isn't a subject that I usually promote or go on about because we honestly don't go around worrying about or thinking "mixed marriage". It is who we are, it doesn't make us less than or better than anyone. For the record, Mr. Motorcycle is ½ Asian, and ½ American Soldier (I'll save the topic of soldiers sewing their seeds and shirking responsibility for another day) I'm 100% white Euro-American.

In my opinion these "defense of marriage" laws being passed by states are in the exact same bigoted and hateful spirit as the anti-miscegenation laws that came before. Anti-miscegenation laws originated in the United States during colonial times to protect the rights of a slaveholder to the offspring of his slaves. The penalties for breaking the laws were very real and in some cases very severe. A lot of the laws were directed specifically at blacks, but some included all non-white people and their enactment declared inter-racial marriages void under the guise of preserving racial purity.

I'm a big fan of the Encarta encyclopedia, this is what it has to say about Miscegenation:

The prejudicial attitude toward miscegenetic marriages stems mainly from obsolete conceptions of race and heredity. Also contributing to the attitude are white supremacy theories, and the inferior social status commonly imposed on dark-skinned people, and consequently on the children of mixed marriages, in various nations throughout the world.

The emphasis is mine

It took HUNDREDS of years to undo the bigoted, prejudicial, hateful laws of miscegenation, if we allow the so called "defense of marriage" acts to pass broadly our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be shaking their heads wondering "what were they thinking" as they struggle to undo them.

A lot of other people have been writing about this topic this week also, here are three I'd like to pass on:

Enchanting Juno

Peskyapostrophe

Political Animal

For those who are homophobic, or at least have what I call the "eww factor" going. Those are the same feelings many felt when faced with the idea of races mixing; it didn't make their laws right. And honestly, if you think the idea of you and your spouse doesn't give me the "eww factor" there's another thing you've got wrong.

Read more...

A Shopping We Will Go

I’m trying to do a lot of my Christmas shopping here at work today. I know, I know, it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet; but this weekend signals the beginning of the Hellish Holidays for us and that means I have little or no time to go shopping, really.

We’ve decided to get the kids a computer of their own for Christmas, and I found a pretty good bundled Compaq at Office Depot that looks perfect for the task. I wouldn’t typically spend that much money at Christmas, but I’m sick of the kids stealing ole Dell for homework & games and they’re sick of me saying (yelling) “be nice to Dell”. I think we’ll probably make a trip and get it picked up & set up next weekend, (no sense in waiting) and then I’ll get them each a little something to open Christmas morning.

The rest of my shopping list consists of my parents, my in-laws the plethora of nephews, two nieces, my sisters family, Grandma and the step-siblings. I’ve got just about everybody figured out except my parents. Last year my dad wrote a beautiful note about how he really has everything that he wants and needs in life and what he really wanted for Christmas was for us to make a donation in his name to a charity he supported, so I’m expecting the same this year. My mom is impossible to shop for; she has a nasty knitted dishcloth jones that I can fill but beyond that, I’m stumped.

Did I tell you that Mr. Motorcycle and I already got each other our present??? We got a brand new sparkling fancy treadmill. I heart it very much – except when I’m on it wishing I was sitting on the couch eating a big bowl of ben & jerrys chocolate fudge brownie- but otherwise it is totally awesome.

I’m doing a lot of online shopping at Old Navy. And I have to tell you my internet connection and their website are not getting along very well at all. It takes freaking FOREVER to load a page and it is more than a little annoying. I don’t know who is responsible for their website, but it sure isn’t so very user friendly at this pace. If I wasn’t so damn desperate to knock 5 nephews and 2 nieces off the list I’d be shopping somewhere else.

I’m also working on my wish list. It isn’t very fascinating and I’m not going to do the Amazon thing and link it here, because the only real life person that knows about this little piece of my life is Mr. Motorcycle.
Wanna see it so far?? Too bad, here it is:

1. Weekend Knitting by Melanie Fallick
2. Sony Under-counter CD/Radio
3. Gift Certificate for Patternworks
4. Gift Certificate for Gap

If all goes well I’ll have something much more interesting and stimulating to say tomorrow. I may even have a photo to post of the great powder room remodel by the end of the weekend!

If anyone has any comments on the computer I picked out, suggestions for a gift for my mom or ideas of things I should add to my own list let me know.

Read more...

Too disgusted to even come up with a title!

This is just disgusting:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to launch an outrageous new study in which participating low income families will have their children exposed to toxic pesticides over the course of two years. For taking part in these studies, each family will receive $970, a free video camera, a T-shirt, and a framed certificate of appreciation. The study entitled CHEERS (Children’s Environmental Exposure Research Study) will look at how chemicals can be ingested, inhaled or absorbed by children ranging from babies to 3 years old.
Please take a moment to join tens of thousands of citizens in petitioning the EPA to terminate this study prior to its proposed launch in early 2005.
More information and petition here

I’ve signed their petition and plan on poking around their site a little more when I have time, because I’m a huge fan of the environment even though I don’t camp. ever.

Via Mac

Read more...

My Tea Is So Smart

I drink tea every day - Good Earth Chai Tea - it is yummy. Every bag has a tag with a great quote on it, today's struck me (as they do most days)

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." ~ Booker T. Washington

Read more...

What Happens When I Have PMS

I must preface this post with a warning, I have PMS- I wasn't kidding when I titled this baby. What this means is that I have a tendency to wander mentally, am easily irritated, and have a slight case of the “poor me’s”. Truly, things aren’t as bad as one might make them out to be in the post that follows…consider yourself warned.

I’m at work, where I am grossly underutilized, horrifically underpaid and taken for granted on so many levels. I fool you not, my kids are better at picking up after themselves, have more refined manners and are more respectful, truthful and mature than the majority of the folks I associate with during business hours. You should be appalled, I know I am. A year ago I swore I wouldn’t be sitting here today, and obviously I’ve failed miserably at that goal. I don’t like to fail, so I’m hoping I can get my act together and move-on soon.

I have been working on the “site stuff” but due to the PMS, the TV and the complete lack of concentration available after 6PM I’m about 100% Not done. Every single time I think I’m super blogger woman I realize I haven’t a fucking clue. There are days I think I should possibly migrate to a “pay” type format, but that would require actual payment and if you didn’t know I am mammothly cheap particularly when it comes to frivolous just for me type items. So, until I am struck by lightening I’ll continue to plod on. I have received MANY offers of help, which I really appreciate, but I’m really trying to learn something and I learn best by fucking it up and fixing it on my own. If I get totally lost and obliterated by this I will totally be begging all of the wonderful people who offered help for help – just a warning.

I’m reading an article in a local magazine called the “Minnesota Conservation Volunteer” about a group of women who got together and convinced President Roosevelt to sign into law the means to create the country’s first congressionally mandated national forest. I love these stories about women strong of mind and will, going against their husbands interests in pursuit of what is best for everyone, for common sense and for conservation. I also love “chick lit” so apparently I’m not as high-brow as I’d like to think.

This morning I dropped Princess off at the “before school” care program which she goes to 3 days a week so I don’t take a hit on the daycare reimbursement account (I under-spent) and so she can play with a friend who (horror) ended up in a different class. Anyway, we were on time which left time to chat with the program leaders and they asked how Gameboy was doing, and all I could say is that he’s Gameboy. That’s a good thing, really. Gameboy is an interesting kid, gets along great with adults & little kids but doesn’t relate to his own peers as well. If you don’t live with him and aren’t the official homework, dirty sock, ass-kicker he is a total kick and you’d find yourself saying “that kid cracks me up”. He cracks me up too sometimes.

Did you notice where I said up there “we were on time”? I don’t usually mention my commute, because it really isn’t so bad it’s not worth complaining about; but did you know that if you leave on time, the traffic is a lot less annoying and you can actually enjoy talking to your child in the car instead of filling their ears with cursing about the other drivers? The drive was almost pleasant, it would have been better if I wasn’t going to work and was going to an awesome diner to eat a big stack of pancakes with bacon and eggs that had no calories and no cholesterol. I like to dream big!

I’m plodding through the resignations, possible appointments and the news that inflation is at a 14 year high:

U.S. producer prices shot up 1.7% last month, the biggest gain in nearly 15 years and well above expectations,

Nothing like spreading a little joy in the afternoon.

Read more...

Daily Link ~ November 16, 2004

If you don't already read Kevin Drum, I suggest you go check him out. I'm always amazed at the thoughtful, well researched, clearly explained posts regarding politics in America.

Read more...

Daily Link ~ November 15, 2004

This morning I am linking to Kerstin’s new political home. Please go say hello to Kerstin, and let her know what you’re thinking, what you can provide, and what kind of action you can take. I’m very excited about where Kerstin is taking her anger and look forward to walking a very similar path.

Read more...

Gimmie That Remote!

Guess what happens when you toss the remote aside disgusted by another last second field goal - ruining your chances for a win AGAIN - really, guess....

Mr. Motorcycle takes control and first we watch the end of "Bloodsport 3" and then "Cops"
And - there is no Desperate Housewives.............ARGH

Read more...

Weekend Wrap-Up

Well it’s been another busy weekend even though we didn’t have any plans; I have no idea what the hell we’ll do when we have actual plans and actual things to do because someone’s going to have to take care of all this other shit.

I tried to check in Friday afternoon, but between shuttling Mr. Motorcycle home from the BIG APPOINTMENT, making dinner (I told them to eat something healthy), getting Mr. Motorcycle his medicine & frozen peas, and getting Gameboy to and from basketball practice I couldn’t even plug the ole dell in.

I was able to watch “Last Letters Home” on HBO Friday night. It will be on quite a few more times over the next week or so, I highly recommend it. Be aware that I used something like 20 Kleenex and really should have used more.

Saturday started off with a bang, because I went to the salon and got my hairs cut, yes I did! But, it was all down hill from there, I did TEN (yes, that’s 10!) loads of laundry. That is more than 2 loads per person – what is the deal with these people! I also got the house cleaned, made a pot of corn & potato chowder, and even knit up a cute little dishcloth. Poor Mr. Motorcycle was bored out of his mind, but on doctors’ orders could not do much of anything, so Gameboy played cards with him and even Monopoly JR.

Today I dropped Gameboy off at church where he is a Sunday school helper and feeling like a really bad catholic not in the mood to be preached too, I spent an hour at Target instead. I love Target. This afternoon Mr. Motorcycle decided he’d had enough of taking it easy and we went to Home Depot. I love Home Depot. I know have 3 new barstools and all the paint supplies for the first floor powder room. Yippee!

I’m watching the Vikes vs. Packers game right now. I’m not really all too happy about the game. That’s all we’ll say about it because I really am not in the mood to rant.

Anyone know if there’s a new Desperate Housewives is on tonight???

Read more...

Can't You See I'm Busy?

What is it with people here today? Everyone keeps interrupting me, can’t they see I’m busy……I’m never going to get all of my blogging done if they keep expecting me to work.

I am leaving work today early to meet Mr. Motorcycle, indulge in a caloric & sodium rich lunch (yippee Chinese) and then Mr. Motorcycle has an appointment which I need to take him home from. So, I’ll try and check in sometime between dinner, Gameboys Basketball practice and the show anyone with HBO might want to try and watch.

Last Letters Home

Tonight – HBO2-East – 10:00PM Eastern time

I'll be buying an entire box of kleenex for it.

Heads up from Busymom

Read more...

Change Begins At Home - Step Two

The US Census estimates that the population of the United States is 281,421,906. It is 49.1% male (138,053,563) and 50.9% female (143,368,343). According to a report issued by the Committee for the Study of The American Electorate it is estimated that 120,200,000 people voted in the 2004 presidential election which is ONLY 59.6% of eligible voters. This is a very interesting and informative (albeit long) report.

Clearly there is a disconnect, a certain large portion of the population that can not get to the polls, can not vote due to other restrictions, or chooses not to participate in what I personally consider a duty. I was brought up to believe that voting is a duty, a responsibility to be taken very seriously. It should be given careful thought and consideration, and I should take part in every single opportunity to vote – even in the elections that seem unimportant to me personally.

So, step two in my “Change begins at home” master plan is to support the voting process, a process which I personally hold in high regard and value. I will become an election judge. I can not expect the senior citizens (and that is who the vast majority of our election judges tend to be) of my city to continue to fill this role indefinitely. I have filled out the paperwork and the application is in an envelope stamped and ready to go.

If you are interested in becoming an election judge, learning more about the process of voting, and helping to ensure that our elections are run in a fair, honest and correct manner please contact your local officials and get involved today.

While researching these facts I stumbled upon The Vanishing Voter, and thought I’d share the link. We'll call it a bonus link.

Read more...

Recommended Reading

Today I’m linking to The Left Coaster

Via Kerstin

Read more...

An Epiphany

While reading yet another well written thought provoking post by Kerstin I had an epiphany. Kerstin had the unique opportunity to correspond with a service woman stationed in Iraq, and the comments that this brave woman made along with Kerstin’s thought provoking entry have led me to an important place. Change begins at home, my home.

It is important, to me, that the hate spewing and the “what were they thinking” stop and the real live action begin. We need to keep our rage and anger, but we need to direct it to affect sweeping permanent change. I believe the biggest change needed is the enforcement of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and each additional Constitutional Amendment.

I was not a history major, and my public school education was suspect at best regarding the history of our country so I’ve been reading articles about how, historically, men and women have gained rights and protected them. What I have learned is that they joined forces and educated themselves; I also learned each and every right has been won or protected through a series of long hard battles.

Did you know that Susan B. Anthony, a primary force in the Women’s Suffragist movement for more than 50 years, died before Congress approved the 19th Amendment?

It is time to gather the forces and begin the next campaign. We must realize that there will be areas where we disagree on specifics, but we need to put those differences aside to fight for the common good. We have to protect the rights we are afforded by our Constitution and demand those we have been denied. We need to ensure that the Supreme Court is filled with appointments that reflect the moderate, rational values of the majority of the country not the minority ultra-conservative religious right. We need to ensure that the Attorney General intends to and completes the true duties of his appointment following the letter of the law and does not use his position to further his personal moral agenda. We need to gain and keep Equal Rights for ourselves, our sisters, our mothers and our daughters. We need to help those who cannot help themselves and we need to fight for their rights as well.

I don’t know where to really start with all of this. I’ve looked into the League of Women Voters and other similar organizations, but I have a feeling that more of the same isn’t really what’s needed. Kerstin suggests linking and has thought about starting another blog for women who have a similar vision to come together. I’m certainly excited about the prospect of joining together.

I’m linking to Mac today.

Read more...

Filler

I am working on a much more substantive “from the gut” post that is requiring a little extra research on my part. So, until I get it finished up I thought I’d throw a little Filler at ya!

This morning I was behind a white Dodge Caravan with 2 bumper stickers. The one on the left said “I love my Family” the one on the right said “At least I can still smoke in my car”. With the family you purport to love so much IN there???

Is there some kind of “statute of limitations” of how long someone can leave campaign signs in their yard? How about offensive ones that are draped with fairy lights and tout (in neon-pastel bubble-gum letters) that a particular candidate eats worms and licks the dirt off of them?

Yesterday I saw a teen with “hockey hair”, a cigarette hanging out the side of his mouth, and a bulky knitted stocking cap on his head driving a beat-up & rusted-out Ford Taurus. The car had 3 pristine George Bush campaign bumper stickers in the back window. I just shook my head and wondered if he was looking forward to his stint in the military.

I am working on my woefully poor economics skills do I have this math right?

Tax cut + big spending = big deficit

Big deficit = weak dollar

Weak dollar = recession + higher unemployment = big spending + less tax income

I am scheduled to see the dentist this morning to begin the terrifying process of getting me a crown for the tooth I broke last month. If my dental insurance wasn’t going to change for the worse I’d put it off till next year – but I’ve been financially forced to do it now – HOLD ME!

I promise a more substantive post later today - -

Read more...

Snarky Kids? Call 911

I was reading the newspaper, and (being a somewhat nosy person) I felt the need to read the police report. Apparently when the kids don’t listen, you can call the police:

Oct. 24: Dispute. A man, 55, called police to report that his two daughters were calling him names such as "chicken" and were refusing to go to bed. An officer investigated, and the girls agreed to stop calling their father inappropriate names and to go to bed.

Who knew?

Read more...

Where Your Tax Dollars Go - -

I don’t know why this wasn’t publicized in the media more when it came out; okay I do know – but go with me here:

Tax Prof Blog

Umm – that map seems familiar.

Via Planetdan

Read more...

Nature Versus Nurture

Sunday evening as Mr. Motorcycle was making dinner (grilled cheese & tomato soup – I’m totally spoiled) Princess told us her throat hurt, and we went into immediate action. Princess never complains about not feeling well unless she REALLY doesn’t feel well. After a mean series of chronic ear infections as a toddler (when it was revealed that she is allergic to Amoxicillin and a certain laundry detergent) she has been almost 100% since then. (knocking on wood). This is a child who didn’t even have a nap while she had the Chicken Pox (we refused the vaccination). This is a child who has never missed a day of school (knocking HARDER on wood). So, after a dose of magical drinkable children’s ibuprofen she was back on her way to good health.

Just so you don’t think I’m getting off easy I introduce you to Gameboy; my hypochondriac. He really isn’t THAT bad, but given the opportunity he will milk every sniffle for all its worth. This child had chronic tonsillitis (not strep) which stopped only after the doctor threatened a tonsillectomy. If something is “coming on” he will be rendered completely useless and will sleep in a coma-like drippy sweating heap (even without a fever). He will whine, he will complain, he will ask for specific foods and then be unable to eat them. We learned that Gameboy was allergic to bee stings at the State Fair, and he had 2 head injuries that required medical attention within 10 days .

They were just as different as babies. Gameboy was a complete nightmare baby, he had colic and screamed inconsolably for hours every night. Princess rarely cried, I think if pinched her you might get a whimper. Toilet training for Gameboy consisted of a lot of tears (mine) and a lot of carpet cleaning (Mr. Motorcycle); Princess got some fancy new big-girl underwear and went to work trying desperately to keep them clean. Princess does her homework with no complaints, Gameboy must be prodded and cajoled.

Of course they both have hearts of gold. They are sympathetic and loving. They both have a penchant for art like Mr. Motorcycle and sing out of key just like me. They both leave their socks all over the house, leave a crummy mess on the kitchen floor when they eat, and clean-up by stuffing EVERTHING into the closet and closing the door.



That’s it…..


Really, I don’t have anything else to say…..


What are you still doing here?.......

Read more...

The Evidence Is Clear!

The family finally got their asses out of bed on Saturday and while I got "stoned" on various cleaning chemicals the handsome stallion Mr. Motorcycle handled the power tools and vacuumed the whole house! It was all clean by 10:30!

By 5:00 it was dirty again – whose kids are these anyway?

My weekend was a testament to my status as a Suburban Soccer Mom even though I didn’t attend a single soccer game or practice.

Evidence for your review:

I ate Chinese take-out
I got something at Bath & Body Works
I also got something at Victoria’s Secret
And Gap Kids too
I went to the library and picked up books I had on request
I wanted to go to Michaels but ran out of time
I wanted to go to Pier 1 too
I did go grocery shopping
I used coupons
I did 9 loads of laundry over 2 days
I watched NBA basketball at home on the couch Saturday night
I went to church Sunday morning
I spent 4 hours at a home jewelry party
I only bought 2 things
I spent a long time dealing with family finance matters (6+hours-yuck)
I watched (in order) Extreme Home Makeover, Desperate Housewives, and Crossing Jordan last night
I was in bed and asleep by 10:30 last night


Is there some kind of pill for this?

Read more...

Another Reason To Keep Checking Blogs!

Just in case I wasn’t the actual LAST person to see this…..

Gangsta Knitters!

Via Rachel – Via Michelle

Read more...

Sleeping in Saturday - NOT

If I had categories Saturday mornings would be filed in WTF?
For the last several weeks I've been waking up at 6:00 on Saturday morning, not the roll over look at the clock and go back to sleep waking up, oh no! I've been WIDE FRIGGIN AWAKE! This sucks sweaty monkey balls.

I want to sleeeep in - I want to lay in bed and relish the fact that my kids are old enough to make their own breakfast without burning the house down or losing a limb - I want to wake up refreshed and ready for a day of sun and happiness. Instead I'm the first one up, wondering when other people will haul their lazy asses out of bed so I can vacuum.

Want to add insult to injury - Sunday mornings I need to get up at 6:30 so we can all be out of the house by 8:30 for church at 9:00. That's the day I'm DYING to sleep in.......ARGH!

Read more...

Mediation and Arbitration

I have a gigantic stack of work to do on my left and a very small stack of work done on my right. I’m an anal retentive girl, so it’s all got to get done before I leave the office today. I’d really like to spend the day hanging out in the internet, but unless things go speedy that isn’t going to happen.

I do have just one very important thing to say today.

There is a lot of hate going on in the internet right now; some of it is about politics, some of it is about internet etiquette, internet jealousy, and some of it is just downright unsolicited opinionated assvice. I’d like to propose a moratorium on hate, I know that’s a lot Marlo Thomas, but really can’t we all just agree to disagree once and a while? It’s okay to disagree and discuss calmly….that’s where new ideas and concepts and cooperation come from….but hate spewing doesn’t do anybody any good.

If, in posting this thought, I have pissed anyone off, I am truly sorry, it isn’t my intent. And, I purposely have left out links to the hate spewing because I don’t want to give it more attention.

Read more...

At least I still have my Timberwolves! 

Read more...

The Hangover

I’m feeling sick to my stomach and I’m on the verge of crying, a lot. I am very disappointed, and not just in the final counts. I’m disappointed by the number of people who chose not to vote, I am disappointed by the way my local media (and one radio station in particular) is delivering the news of the election results, I am disappointed by the amount of “nana nana boo boo” going on and, I am disappointed that we may have a repeat of the election debacle of four years ago.

I went to bed last night knowing that things didn’t look good for John Kerry. I also knew in my heart that we wouldn’t have a definitive 100% answer this morning. I can see the writing on the wall and I’m not stupid; I had hope, so much hope, and it has all been drained from me leaving nothing but a shell.

This feeling can’t be blamed entirely on the election results, but they are rather the straw that broke the camels back. I can clearly see a lot of writing on the wall right now. It’s going to take some time to lick my wounds and get together a “plan of action”, but there will be a plan and it will succeed.

The only remaining political thing I have to say is this, until all of the citizens of this country realize and appreciate how precious their right to vote is and until an administration takes office that thinks about what would be best for all of us we will be a nation divided.

I’m off to take a deep breath…

Read more...

A Voting Story

I arrived at my polling place at 6:55 this morning. It was cool (about 45 degrees) and drizzling. The doors to the church will still closed, and there was a line snaking through the parking lot. People dressed in business suits, uniforms and jeans; people waiting alone, with a spouse, with a friend and even with their children. Waiting, in the rain, to vote. I almost cried.

As I waited in line and inched my way toward the door I realized that my polling place was inadequately prepared for what will surely be a large voter turnout. When I finally made it to the door I was approached by a rather gruff older man asking “are you registered to vote?”

I could say a lot about what went on while I waited my turn, but I guess there are just a few observations I want to share:

· More than ½ of the people in line were registering to vote
· My polling place was ill prepared and poorly set-up to handle the volume of voters
· There were a lot of confused 1st time voters
· The election judges weren’t very helpful and honestly didn’t explain the ballot, how to fill it out, what to do with it or even mention that it had 2 sides
· There wasn’t a single person watching the optical scan machine while a large line of us inserted our ballots
· All of the election judges (except 1) were senior citizens
· I was voter #102

I have decided that I will volunteer to be an election judge next year. My mother is an election judge and has been for years. Every year she mentions how they have a hard time getting young people to participate in the process, how they sometimes have a hard time getting enough people to participate in the process. It’s time to step into the fray and do more than talk the talk, now I’ve got to walk the walk to.

Read more...

A final pre-voting thought

The freethinking of one age is the common sense of the next.

Matthew Arnold (1822-1888)

Read more...

VOTE!

I'll be in late tomorrow. I'm planning on arriving at my polling place about 6:45 am, I'll cast my vote and then return home to get ready for work.
If you haven't voted already, please make voting a priority tomorrow.

Read more...

Busy Weekend Completed - Thank Goodness!

I managed to get just about everything done except selling the car and buying a new one. Mr. Motorcycle wants to take a wait and see approach on that until we do anything drastic like get rid of the semi-luxury suv we now have in favor of a not in anyway small to midsize suv I was looking at.

Knitting:
The Princess Poncho spent a spectacular few days on my “Finished Object” list until I realized I need to make the neck opening a little smaller. So, after a brief trip to church on Sunday the poncho is back on the WIP list and is spending some quality time in my basket since I started a scarf that has yet to be named. I’m experimenting with ribbon yarn and am using Lion Brand Incredible in the Autumn Leaves colorway. It knits up much easier than I imagined and I love the look of it.
If I figure out the Hello software I’ll post some photos of these projects.

Other Domestic News:
Poor Gameboy and his teammates played a REALLY tough team in HORRIBLE weather and experienced a significant ass-handing Saturday afternoon. Basketball is up next and he’s a lot better basketball player, so he’s jazzed for it to start.

Pumpkin carving was overseen by Mr. Motorcycle while I finished all costumes for Princess. Pumpkins are very important; so important that we can’t even put them outside for fear of smashing, they must be displayed in the window instead. Princess chose a pattern of a cat in front of a full moon and Gameboy chose a grim reaper, both “challenging” patterns. They each cleaned their own pumpkins, punched their pattern and got started with minimal involvement from Mr. Motorcycle. Unfortunately Princess just didn’t have the strength to do the intricate carving and Mr. Motorcycle had to finish up for her, but Gameboy did the whole thing himself and it turned out awesome.
Once again, if I figure out the Hello software I’ll post some photos of the pumpkins.

Halloween:
I told Gameboy 12 was too old to trick-or-treat, so he stayed home and did some homework while Princess ventured out with some friends under the close supervision of a mom that was NOT ME! Mr. Motorcycle handed out the candy and I sat my ass on the couch and knitted in the semi-dark (spookiness effect). There were some really cute kids that came to the door, and then THEY came to the door. Teenagers, some costumed, some not(?)…and they weren’t from our development or the neighboring development. Of those that were costumed, some were offensive and some were inappropriate. I opened a bag of little tootsie rolls and told Mr. Motorcycle, they each get one from now on.

So, what’s the deal with kids trick-or-treating well into high school these days? My mom (and the other neighborhood parents) put a stop to it when we hit Jr. High. Where are the parents of these kids OR am I just becoming a grumpy old lady?

In brighter Halloween news Princess shared her haul with Gameboy – at an almost 50/50 split! I had to make the suggestion, but she didn’t even bat an eye at agreeing. Apparently we've done something right!

Read more...