I am totally a fan of GreenDimes and Tonic. They have cute products that actuall make a difference. Sweetie and I used GreenDimes to remove unwanted catalogues in the mail, and plant some trees. Everyone should go to their site and sign up.
Then I discovered Tonic. They sell T-shirts ($45) but each shirt sold provides money to one of their environmental projects. I am torn between the Mosqueto Nets in Africa and Trees in America, I may do both. They also will proive education in India and fresh water somewhere else.
At any rate, buying environmentaly sound products and supporting companies who do something (really anything) for the environment is important. I dont want future generations to look at us and determine that we were simply too lazy to do anything with the knowledge we now have.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Little Black Skirts Redux
Ok the experiment is over. I was able to not repeat an outfit for 20 work days over the past month, and shockingly I still have about 5 more outfits to go. It helps that I have lost 7 pounds in the 40 by 40 program so I could wear a few new things that I haven't worn in a while. Next program I am going to try is either wearing or donating everything in my closet each season. I found things that I forgot that I owned. Not that all of my clothes reside in one place, it is time to use it or donate it. I also plan to donate all of my big girl clothes each time I loose a size. This way I can help other big girls wear nice (nearly new) clothes, and I can make room for a new wardrobe!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Football Widows
As I have posted before, Sweetie is a huge sports fan.
Today was the Super Bowl. His team, the NY Giants won. Yeah. I wanted them to win for several reasons, one because they were up against the NE Pats. I don't like anything about Boston, including their sports teams. If my team (the Steelers) are not in the Super Bowl then I always route for the underdogs. The Pats had a perfect record going into the game and NY took them down and prevented a perfect season.
Overall I am pretty happy that they won.
I can see, however, women can tune out football and their men while they watch it. After all men do that to their partners when they are watching the game. I actually was reading at some point and tuned out the game and Sweetie. I suppose when something has your attention, with a little bit of focus you can turn out even your friends, and loved ones.
Maybe Sweetie is somewhere explaining on a blog that he is a "book" widdower.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Obama The First Black President
Ok. I am am Obama supporter. I am a little late jumping on this wagon, but now I am about to do something I have never done before, I am actually going to give money to his campaign. This will be my first donation to ANY politician, so you know I am in it for real. I have several friends, who have given time, money and even created organizations to support Obama, and I am ashamed to be so late in joining in. Now, February in any normal presidential election cycle isn't really late, but for this one I feel as though I am behind the curve.
His win in Iowa, his speech after that win, helped bring me to this point, but, sadly, what really brought me here was the nasty, racial campagining of the Clintons. Billary was a kinder gentle version of the Clintons, but HillBilly is just horrid.
If Hillary can not control Bill in her campagne-- to the Democratic faithful, no less, how is she ever going to control him in a the White House.
Bill Clinton (who I used to love and defend) has shown his ass to his black supporters with his tacticts in late January in this race. His Jessie Jackson cracks, his attempts to marginalize Obama, his claiming to be the first black president. All nasty, undignified, crackerish, and typical of a white man who sees that he is loosing to a black man.
With respect to the black president claim, this came from an article written by Toni Morrison in the New Yorker magazine at the hight of the blow job Lewinski scandle. She stated that Bill was being persecuted as though he was the first black president, as white men generally do not face such harsh censure and punishment (impeachment for infidelity) as black men do (death penality for rape of a white woman) for the same "crimes."
I find it interesting that Hillary has joked that she is in an interracial marriage, not. And that they tout this "title" out of context all of the time. Lets get real.
I am not trying to discount any work that the Clintons have done for civil rights, but the welfare bill that Billary signed was not universaily good for the black folk on welfare, and their treatment of old friends, Joycelyn Elders and Lani Gunier was nothing short of shameful. Where were the black cabinet memebers, Even W has/had two.
At any rate, the disgusting recent activities of the Clintons (not to be confused with disgusting earlier activities) have really caused me to sit back and take stock. Not of Obama, who I supported before, but they caused me to really think deeply about being a stronger supporter. So I suppose I should thank HillBilly.
Friday, February 01, 2008
40 by 40
Ok. Enough.
I turn 40 this July and I want to loose 40 pounds by then. This seems reasonable, I have 6 months, and if I loose 8 pounds a month I more than meet my goal. This is 2 pounds a week, though 7 pounds a month can also work.
I decided to revisit an old friend-- Atkins. I did this diet a few years ago, and it really changed my life. I had beautiful clear skin, lovely shiny hair and lost a bunch of weight, so why not try again. Also it is pretty easy to find things to eat no matter where you are.
Today is the 5th day and I am now 37lbs away from my 40 by 40 goal. I cant wait to weigh in next week to see how much I have lost by then. (I am a little bloated right now).
When I start a new diet, I have to give my self little treats for motivation. This week was smoked salmon. Next week (the beginning of work out week) is a new I-pod shuffle. It just clips on and holds 200 songs. I cant wait to load it up and start working out.
No worries dear reader, you will be kept up to date on each and every ounce lost. Or not.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Monday Melee
This is my first participation in a Monday Melee but it seems fun. If you are confused please click the Monday Melee title of this posting.
The Monday Melee: Ideas by Fracas; Answers by me.
1. The Misanthropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate: I learned today that just when we humans need to be at our sharpest (in a critical conversation-- one filled with emotion, a difference of opinion and high stakes) our bodies revert to our reptilian minds and send much needed to our limbs to prepare for a fight. What good does that do me now when I am trying to have a discussion. I don't want to run I want to discuss!
2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus: The head of BET made the most absurd excuse/explanation about a slur that he levied against Obama, stating that when he was using unclear language about what Barak was doing while HilBilly was fighting for civil rights, that he was not making reference to drug use, rather he was talking about community organizing. For the love of all that is holy! Please.
3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with: I am un happy with not having my mother and favorite aunt alive, now.
4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can: I give my mother and my aunt credit for helping me shape my strong personalty.
5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it: I have really pretty hazel/light brown eyes.
6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for: I wish to live a life of peace and grace. I have a long way to go.
The Monday Melee: Ideas by Fracas; Answers by me.
1. The Misanthropic: Name something (about humanity) you absolutely hate: I learned today that just when we humans need to be at our sharpest (in a critical conversation-- one filled with emotion, a difference of opinion and high stakes) our bodies revert to our reptilian minds and send much needed to our limbs to prepare for a fight. What good does that do me now when I am trying to have a discussion. I don't want to run I want to discuss!
2. The Meretricious: Expose something or someone that’s phony, fraudulent or bogus: The head of BET made the most absurd excuse/explanation about a slur that he levied against Obama, stating that when he was using unclear language about what Barak was doing while HilBilly was fighting for civil rights, that he was not making reference to drug use, rather he was talking about community organizing. For the love of all that is holy! Please.
3. The Malcontent: Name something you’re unhappy with: I am un happy with not having my mother and favorite aunt alive, now.
4. The Meritorious: Give someone credit for something and name it if you can: I give my mother and my aunt credit for helping me shape my strong personalty.
5. The Mirror: See something good about yourself and name it: I have really pretty hazel/light brown eyes.
6. The Make-Believe: Name something you wish for: I wish to live a life of peace and grace. I have a long way to go.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Girls Night Out
I took a trip for work the second week of January. I was back in NY, and I was able to meet my "girls" for dinner and drinks. I really love my friends. Actually one of my favorite people in the world (not one of my girls) was also able to meet us for dinner. He is a former co-worker and just an all around fantastic person.
Its nice to spend time with people that you have a history with. Someone that has see the best and the worst of you and still loves you. I am starting to make friends like that in Michigan. I met a few women from work, and my awesome real estate has also become a friend.
There is something about the company of women. The rarely if ever suggest that you are asking too many questions, or wonder why you want to know something. We just know. Its easier to be open about painful lessons learned, family issues and the dread weight issue. We laugh and cry together.
I didn't have a sister, and although I am very close to my brother and my male cousins, there is just something different, cool and fantastic about female friendships.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Hair
I have returned to my sports roots. Sweetie is a sports fan. He watches football, even if it is not one of his teams (the Giants or Jets) and watches the Yankees (even on the Internet), as such, since I like spending time with him, I too watch sports.
I have seen a lot of football this season. This is fine. One of my fondest childhood memories is learning the rules of football while watching a game with my Father. I am from Pittsburgh and came of TV watching age in the 1970s. The Steel Curtain. One for the Thumb in '81. I have a terrible towel, and I am in some sort of team photo with the Steelers that was taken at my Jr. prom as they were in the same restaurant we were eating in before the prom.
So me watching football is not that odd. I also like golf and hockey (again I am from Pittsburgh and they still do not have a professional Basketball team).
What I am finding somewhat interesting about current day football, is the hair of the black players. Where did they get such long hair that it hangs outside of their helmets in the back? Being a black woman my entire life I understand how black hair grows. I can not imagine that these football players have long enough hair to hang outside their helmets. So this means one of a few things. Either they are getting a relaxer to straighten their hair and then having it braided, and or they are getting extension. Either option leaves me wondering about the extent of their vanity to sit in a beauty shop chair and have either process done.
Then again, I do recall Frenchie Fuqua's shoes with goldfish in the clear Lucite heels, and other 1970s football players and their full length man furs, so maybe the vanity is something that has been present in football all along.
I am not against metrosexual tendencies in men. I like a man who cares for his skin, his hair and wears cologne and nice clothing. Sweetie is not a metrosexual but for him rugged and jeans wearing works. As explained in an earlier post, I find Johnny Depp and Prince sexy with their makeup and androgynous beauty. But I have a problem when you blend the image of a professional athlete and a beauty chair. Be rugged and have callouses on your hands, or be a metrosexual and use hair product and a hint of eyeliner, but don't blend them. Please.
I have seen a lot of football this season. This is fine. One of my fondest childhood memories is learning the rules of football while watching a game with my Father. I am from Pittsburgh and came of TV watching age in the 1970s. The Steel Curtain. One for the Thumb in '81. I have a terrible towel, and I am in some sort of team photo with the Steelers that was taken at my Jr. prom as they were in the same restaurant we were eating in before the prom.
So me watching football is not that odd. I also like golf and hockey (again I am from Pittsburgh and they still do not have a professional Basketball team).
What I am finding somewhat interesting about current day football, is the hair of the black players. Where did they get such long hair that it hangs outside of their helmets in the back? Being a black woman my entire life I understand how black hair grows. I can not imagine that these football players have long enough hair to hang outside their helmets. So this means one of a few things. Either they are getting a relaxer to straighten their hair and then having it braided, and or they are getting extension. Either option leaves me wondering about the extent of their vanity to sit in a beauty shop chair and have either process done.
Then again, I do recall Frenchie Fuqua's shoes with goldfish in the clear Lucite heels, and other 1970s football players and their full length man furs, so maybe the vanity is something that has been present in football all along.
I am not against metrosexual tendencies in men. I like a man who cares for his skin, his hair and wears cologne and nice clothing. Sweetie is not a metrosexual but for him rugged and jeans wearing works. As explained in an earlier post, I find Johnny Depp and Prince sexy with their makeup and androgynous beauty. But I have a problem when you blend the image of a professional athlete and a beauty chair. Be rugged and have callouses on your hands, or be a metrosexual and use hair product and a hint of eyeliner, but don't blend them. Please.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Just admit that you don't know
Ok. It is finally over, the results are in and Hillary won the Democratic primary in New Hampshire. By 3%. I am not thrilled as I am an Obama supporter, but hey it was close and there are 48 other states to vote.
What is currently ticking me off, is the pundits and the 24 hour news cycle. It seems to me that the biggest looser in this whole thing, other than the American public, is the truth. Polls showed Obama winning by double digits, and he lost by 3%. The pundits and the news teams took the polls as the gospel and declared Obama the winner in NH before a single vote was cast. These same pundits are the ones who determined that this race was Hillary's to loose. Shockingly, not, they were wrong both times. I would rather have them be off the air from time to time, than filling the air with their speculation and desires. On MSNBC the hosts were nearly filled with what looked a bit like religious fervor when discussing the Obama rallies that they had attended. What happened to impartial reporting. Now, being a fan of Obama, I did not mind, but really.
This morning, at least on the Today Show, they are admitting that they were totally wrong, and that they actually can not predict what is going to happen. I am sure that as the day lengthens that too will change, and they will start to blame the polls or the weather, or some other totally unrelated issue.
Sigh, only 300+ days until this is over.
01.21.08
Today is a travel day, I am going to wear jeans and a sweater. No overlap, day 2.
What is currently ticking me off, is the pundits and the 24 hour news cycle. It seems to me that the biggest looser in this whole thing, other than the American public, is the truth. Polls showed Obama winning by double digits, and he lost by 3%. The pundits and the news teams took the polls as the gospel and declared Obama the winner in NH before a single vote was cast. These same pundits are the ones who determined that this race was Hillary's to loose. Shockingly, not, they were wrong both times. I would rather have them be off the air from time to time, than filling the air with their speculation and desires. On MSNBC the hosts were nearly filled with what looked a bit like religious fervor when discussing the Obama rallies that they had attended. What happened to impartial reporting. Now, being a fan of Obama, I did not mind, but really.
This morning, at least on the Today Show, they are admitting that they were totally wrong, and that they actually can not predict what is going to happen. I am sure that as the day lengthens that too will change, and they will start to blame the polls or the weather, or some other totally unrelated issue.
Sigh, only 300+ days until this is over.
01.21.08
Today is a travel day, I am going to wear jeans and a sweater. No overlap, day 2.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Primary Season Is Far too Long
I am sitting here looking at the New Hampshire returns. Now more than ever I am regretting the 24 hour news cycle. Since 6:00 pm MSNBC has had moment by moment coverage of the returns, even though they were not allowed to talk about any real returns until the polls closed at 8:00 pm.
Who are these people who demand such coverage. I would be more than happy to see returns once they were all in. I don't need to know the returns with only 10% of the precincts reporting. I think CNN even has a real time counter. How are they doing that, more important, why are they doing that?!?
We as a nation are over informed, over stimulated and I am thinking about unplugging from the news cycle. The problem is that Sweetie is a news junkie, he watches CNN, C-SPAN, and the weather channel. If there is a good, well written TV show he will watch that, but as you can imagine they are few and far in between. The Office, Scurubs, David Letterman and Curb Your Enthusiasm are favorites. I also like the Daily Show, all Law and Order shows are also my favorites. Sweetie watches TV in the same way that some people only read non fiction. Oh yes, I totally forgot, he is a huge Yankee's fan, and loves football (The Giants). When I am at home I like to spend time with Sweetie, so he does watch some things that I am sure are not his preference, like the shows I like on HGTV (I like the designer shows, and the house transformation shows, he prefers DIY with This Old House and any wood working shows). All in all it works well, as I do like being informed, though not as informed as Sweetie likes to be.
You Tube is also a phenomena that I don't understand. Sure some of the videos are funny, but to me they are similar to chain letters and the jokes that people forward. Again, I am not part of that wave. I am far from a troglodyte, actually I am very nearly an early adopter (I would be one if I were not so cheep) but there are levels of information I choose not to participate in. Over stimulation, over informed and subject to people's personal lives on video are too much for me.
Dear reader, you can call me to task as I do have a blog, and it is filled with my personal musings, but it isn't that easy to find and I hardly ever tell people where to find it. I think that counts.
By the way, I did not go to work today due to a stomach ache, so I did not get dressed, so I have not repeated an outfit yet.
Who are these people who demand such coverage. I would be more than happy to see returns once they were all in. I don't need to know the returns with only 10% of the precincts reporting. I think CNN even has a real time counter. How are they doing that, more important, why are they doing that?!?
We as a nation are over informed, over stimulated and I am thinking about unplugging from the news cycle. The problem is that Sweetie is a news junkie, he watches CNN, C-SPAN, and the weather channel. If there is a good, well written TV show he will watch that, but as you can imagine they are few and far in between. The Office, Scurubs, David Letterman and Curb Your Enthusiasm are favorites. I also like the Daily Show, all Law and Order shows are also my favorites. Sweetie watches TV in the same way that some people only read non fiction. Oh yes, I totally forgot, he is a huge Yankee's fan, and loves football (The Giants). When I am at home I like to spend time with Sweetie, so he does watch some things that I am sure are not his preference, like the shows I like on HGTV (I like the designer shows, and the house transformation shows, he prefers DIY with This Old House and any wood working shows). All in all it works well, as I do like being informed, though not as informed as Sweetie likes to be.
You Tube is also a phenomena that I don't understand. Sure some of the videos are funny, but to me they are similar to chain letters and the jokes that people forward. Again, I am not part of that wave. I am far from a troglodyte, actually I am very nearly an early adopter (I would be one if I were not so cheep) but there are levels of information I choose not to participate in. Over stimulation, over informed and subject to people's personal lives on video are too much for me.
Dear reader, you can call me to task as I do have a blog, and it is filled with my personal musings, but it isn't that easy to find and I hardly ever tell people where to find it. I think that counts.
By the way, I did not go to work today due to a stomach ache, so I did not get dressed, so I have not repeated an outfit yet.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Little Black Skirts
Once my mother told me that the well dressed woman can put together twenty different outfits (one for each work day of the month) without repeating in that month. I didn't think to ask her if you could repeat parts of each outfit during that month. I am going to try to do this (clearly I need a hobby) and I think I am going to only repeat shoes (though I could probably do it without repeating shoes).
Ok, today (day one) I wore a black skirt and a black and cream top with a 60's inspired design, black stockings and black wedges. It was nearly 60 degrees today, in January in Michigan, and right now we are having a thunderstorm of all things.
Tomorrow I am going to wear something else, but it will involve a black skirt, as I also discovered that I have nearly 25 black skirts. I am going on a business trip Wednesday and returning Thursday. I was going to try and travel with one small bag, only changing the top I was wearing, but since I am on this 20 day program I am going to have to pack a little more.
We have casual Fridays, and can wear jeans. I have never understood why Jeans are supposed to be a treat to wear, they only look good on the young and firm, and they are not really forgiving. I think it would be better if we had sweats Fridays, but luckily I have more than one pair of jeans, so I wont have to repeat those outfits. I actually got my first pair of jeans my freshman year in college, so me having more than one pair of jeans is shocking. I went to private school and we were not allowed to wear jeans, and until high school we were not really allowed to wear pants, except if it was under 20 degrees, so in reality it has taken me a long time to even think of wearing pants, let alone jeans.
I am going to have to keep some sort of log to make sure I make my 20 outfits without a repeat. Clearly the need for a hobby grows.
Ok, today (day one) I wore a black skirt and a black and cream top with a 60's inspired design, black stockings and black wedges. It was nearly 60 degrees today, in January in Michigan, and right now we are having a thunderstorm of all things.
Tomorrow I am going to wear something else, but it will involve a black skirt, as I also discovered that I have nearly 25 black skirts. I am going on a business trip Wednesday and returning Thursday. I was going to try and travel with one small bag, only changing the top I was wearing, but since I am on this 20 day program I am going to have to pack a little more.
We have casual Fridays, and can wear jeans. I have never understood why Jeans are supposed to be a treat to wear, they only look good on the young and firm, and they are not really forgiving. I think it would be better if we had sweats Fridays, but luckily I have more than one pair of jeans, so I wont have to repeat those outfits. I actually got my first pair of jeans my freshman year in college, so me having more than one pair of jeans is shocking. I went to private school and we were not allowed to wear jeans, and until high school we were not really allowed to wear pants, except if it was under 20 degrees, so in reality it has taken me a long time to even think of wearing pants, let alone jeans.
I am going to have to keep some sort of log to make sure I make my 20 outfits without a repeat. Clearly the need for a hobby grows.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Firsts
Hooray for Iowa
I have secretly been a fan of Obama since he started in the race. I am so very happy that he won in IA and that he is increasing rapidly in NH. I am watching "Meet the Press" and something some pundit said captured my thoughts, thoughts that I had not voiced. Black Americans were waiting to see if white Americans will vote for him. When asked I always said I want him to win but I am not sure that America is ready. Well, judging from the results from IA, parts of the country are ready. I will wait to see, while I support him, out loud and financially.
I have secretly been a fan of Obama since he started in the race. I am so very happy that he won in IA and that he is increasing rapidly in NH. I am watching "Meet the Press" and something some pundit said captured my thoughts, thoughts that I had not voiced. Black Americans were waiting to see if white Americans will vote for him. When asked I always said I want him to win but I am not sure that America is ready. Well, judging from the results from IA, parts of the country are ready. I will wait to see, while I support him, out loud and financially.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Little beings that the universe trusts us to raise
I love my puppy Zak. He is a Bichon who is currently 10.5 months old. He is at a kennel because Sweetie and I are going to Pittsburgh to see my family for Christmas.
Since getting Zak at 3 months old, he has not spend a night away from either Sweetie or me. It was very hard driving to the kennel to leave him there. We were going to take him, but he is still at a point that he does not like long car rides. We were going to take the 5 hour drive to Pittsburgh with Zak, but his whining, and motion sickness made us think twice. I came to the decision quicker than Sweetie, but once we inspected the kennel (on line) and I talked to people who have used it we decided to give it a go. He has 2 hours of play dates a day, he gets to eat his own raw food diet, and drink his own water. He is also sleeping in his own crate and has a few toys. I hope he is fine.
When we first got Zak I was a bit freaked out. Here was this adorable creature that is totally dependant on me for food, water and hygiene. I saw my carefree single woman days flying away from me. As a small puppy he ate 3 times a day and went out every 2 hours during the day and about every 5 to 6 at night. He had several accidents (not his fault) and I thought we would never be able to go out to dinner, or to the movies again. I actually had to stay home from work one day -- well I worked from home, because Sweetie had to go to NYC to take care of some family things. Had Zak not been so sweet and cuddly alone together I would have returned him. I kept threatning that if Sweetie was delayed in returning that when Sweetie got back Zak would be gone.
It took me about 2 weeks, and now I am to the point that I can not imagine what it was like without him. He is far cuter than he is cuddly (twice as cute as he is cuddly) but we deal with it. He will cuddle, but only on his own terms. Which I can respect.
When we were packing his food and toys and crate where he sleeps, I actually got a tummy ache as I realized that we were sending him away for the first time. How do people do that with their kids! Yikes.
I am glad that I don't want children, I don't think I could take it.
Since getting Zak at 3 months old, he has not spend a night away from either Sweetie or me. It was very hard driving to the kennel to leave him there. We were going to take him, but he is still at a point that he does not like long car rides. We were going to take the 5 hour drive to Pittsburgh with Zak, but his whining, and motion sickness made us think twice. I came to the decision quicker than Sweetie, but once we inspected the kennel (on line) and I talked to people who have used it we decided to give it a go. He has 2 hours of play dates a day, he gets to eat his own raw food diet, and drink his own water. He is also sleeping in his own crate and has a few toys. I hope he is fine.
When we first got Zak I was a bit freaked out. Here was this adorable creature that is totally dependant on me for food, water and hygiene. I saw my carefree single woman days flying away from me. As a small puppy he ate 3 times a day and went out every 2 hours during the day and about every 5 to 6 at night. He had several accidents (not his fault) and I thought we would never be able to go out to dinner, or to the movies again. I actually had to stay home from work one day -- well I worked from home, because Sweetie had to go to NYC to take care of some family things. Had Zak not been so sweet and cuddly alone together I would have returned him. I kept threatning that if Sweetie was delayed in returning that when Sweetie got back Zak would be gone.
It took me about 2 weeks, and now I am to the point that I can not imagine what it was like without him. He is far cuter than he is cuddly (twice as cute as he is cuddly) but we deal with it. He will cuddle, but only on his own terms. Which I can respect.
When we were packing his food and toys and crate where he sleeps, I actually got a tummy ache as I realized that we were sending him away for the first time. How do people do that with their kids! Yikes.
I am glad that I don't want children, I don't think I could take it.
One of the most biased phone calls ever
I was in the kitchen, a place where I am vowing to spend more time cooking so I can break my eating out habit, when the phone rang. It was a number I did not know but I answered any way. It was a poll. Political polls are interesting to me. At any rate the pollster asked me if I was voting in the Republican Primary this January. I said yes, he wanted to know if I am pro life, no; if I was anti gay marriage, No; if I thought that there should be a state or constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, No. Then he wanted to know who I was going to vote for. I selected McCain as the lesser of all evils. He then wanted to know if knowing that he voted with some democrats against Bush and his horrid Judicial nominees would change my mind, No. He brought up some other random middle of the road position of McCain's and asked if that would stop me. Again, No. He then gave up and ended the call.
It was so overtly conservative, and right wing nonsense that I was shocked.
Even though I am a registered republican and have been for 21 years, I could never vote for any of the current slate. Romney and his "Father marching with MLK," Rudy and his closet of horrors (just wait America... just wait); Ron Paul who is just nutty, and Huckabee who is even more religious and evangelical than W... Yikes. McCain is about the only one I could vote for from the group... but hopefully one of the really scary ones will be the nominee and we can have our first black president. Go Obama!
It was so overtly conservative, and right wing nonsense that I was shocked.
Even though I am a registered republican and have been for 21 years, I could never vote for any of the current slate. Romney and his "Father marching with MLK," Rudy and his closet of horrors (just wait America... just wait); Ron Paul who is just nutty, and Huckabee who is even more religious and evangelical than W... Yikes. McCain is about the only one I could vote for from the group... but hopefully one of the really scary ones will be the nominee and we can have our first black president. Go Obama!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sleep Health
I spent last night and the better part of today in a sleep clinic. I am exhausted. It is ironic because when you are at a sleep clinic the last thing you do is sleep. In addition the people who monitor your sleep have sleep issues them selves as they are working overnight.
There should be a better way to do this.
I have sleep apnea. Until I was diagnosed I had no idea how many people have it. When ever I meet someone and mention it, I am astonished at the number of people who have it and use a c-pap. They are the machines that you sleep with to prevent you from not breathing while you sleep.
Other than being exhausted all of the time from waking several times an hour, while you sleep-- I was about 50 time an hour-- you also can develop high blood pressure, weight problems, memory problems and a host of nasty diseases from being sleep deprived. Since I got my c-pap machine I have started to get REM sleep that I was not getting for probably decades. Insane.
I am definitely more rested, but I am still sleepy enough that it is draining to function each day. So in order to determine what other sleep disorders I have I had to go for a day time sleep test. This was extremely painful, mainly because the test consists of you sitting in a room, reading or watching TV and then only being able to sleep when they tell you. So about every 2 hours you can take a nap, of about 20 min. This goes on all day.. I am so tired that I could sleep for a week now. YAWN.
I am going to bed, it is around 9 pm and I am sure that I will sleep through the night. Thank goodness Zak also can sleep though the night, so I don't have to worry about him. Not that I do because Sweetie takes care of most of Zak's bathroom needs. I am very lucky to have such a great man in my life.
There should be a better way to do this.
I have sleep apnea. Until I was diagnosed I had no idea how many people have it. When ever I meet someone and mention it, I am astonished at the number of people who have it and use a c-pap. They are the machines that you sleep with to prevent you from not breathing while you sleep.
Other than being exhausted all of the time from waking several times an hour, while you sleep-- I was about 50 time an hour-- you also can develop high blood pressure, weight problems, memory problems and a host of nasty diseases from being sleep deprived. Since I got my c-pap machine I have started to get REM sleep that I was not getting for probably decades. Insane.
I am definitely more rested, but I am still sleepy enough that it is draining to function each day. So in order to determine what other sleep disorders I have I had to go for a day time sleep test. This was extremely painful, mainly because the test consists of you sitting in a room, reading or watching TV and then only being able to sleep when they tell you. So about every 2 hours you can take a nap, of about 20 min. This goes on all day.. I am so tired that I could sleep for a week now. YAWN.
I am going to bed, it is around 9 pm and I am sure that I will sleep through the night. Thank goodness Zak also can sleep though the night, so I don't have to worry about him. Not that I do because Sweetie takes care of most of Zak's bathroom needs. I am very lucky to have such a great man in my life.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Internships and Religion
I live in south west Michigan. They are trying to have a early presidential primary to make sure that the issues that are specific to a rust belt states. It seems to have backfired as only a very few of the Democratic candidates are on the ticket. Since the Republican slate is on the primary ticket here we have started to see adds. So far its only Romney, and I find his add quite snarky. He suggests that since Hil-billy has never run anything, that if she is elected president it would be an internship. He discounts her years of public service in the Senate, and reminds everyone about Billary's intern problems. Funny, kinda, mean, definitely, effective? Not so much. He seems to suggest that being a senator is not as good of a training ground as being a Governor. While statistically it is much easier for a Governor to be elected president than a senator, I think that being a senator exposes the candidate to more foreign policy than being a Governor. Running the Olympic as foreign policy, also a stretch unless we are worried about the huge terrorist trade in steroids.
Last Sunday Mitt Romney was on "Meet the Press." What a piece of work. He just suggested that even though the Mormon church did not recognize the right for black people to fully participate in the church until 1978 (when he was 31). His response to Russert's question was to say that when he heard the news he cried. This was not a satisfactory answer.
Listening to Romney and Huckabee makes me further marvel at the framers of the constitution's fantastic decision to include the separation of church and state. As a Christian I am all in favor of everyone believing as I do. I also acknowledge that not everyone has received Christ, and if I am in a situation to witness and help others understand my personal relationship with Jesus, then I do. However, I also understand that there are other religious beliefs, and as an American I think it is personally fine for everyone to believe as they see fit. I do not think it is acceptable for Christians to impose their beliefs on others who are not open to what we believe. Religion is personal and has no place in government or public policy, other than to allow for the free expression of religious ideas. The moment that one religion imposes its ideals, beliefs, and in some cases hatred of others on the general public and those who do not believe that they do, that religion has overstepped their bounds (in America). If I wanted to live in a Theocracy I would move. I don't, and I resist all that want to impose their religious beliefs and practices on me (even if I agree with them).
Last Sunday Mitt Romney was on "Meet the Press." What a piece of work. He just suggested that even though the Mormon church did not recognize the right for black people to fully participate in the church until 1978 (when he was 31). His response to Russert's question was to say that when he heard the news he cried. This was not a satisfactory answer.
Listening to Romney and Huckabee makes me further marvel at the framers of the constitution's fantastic decision to include the separation of church and state. As a Christian I am all in favor of everyone believing as I do. I also acknowledge that not everyone has received Christ, and if I am in a situation to witness and help others understand my personal relationship with Jesus, then I do. However, I also understand that there are other religious beliefs, and as an American I think it is personally fine for everyone to believe as they see fit. I do not think it is acceptable for Christians to impose their beliefs on others who are not open to what we believe. Religion is personal and has no place in government or public policy, other than to allow for the free expression of religious ideas. The moment that one religion imposes its ideals, beliefs, and in some cases hatred of others on the general public and those who do not believe that they do, that religion has overstepped their bounds (in America). If I wanted to live in a Theocracy I would move. I don't, and I resist all that want to impose their religious beliefs and practices on me (even if I agree with them).
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Holiday Frenzy
Oh how I wish that my title pertained to parties, shopping, cooking and visiting friends and family.
No, rather it is about work. I love the holidays, or should say that I used to love the holidays when I was a child. But then, why wouldn't I love it then. My only responsibilities were to help decorate the tree, watch my mother prepare Christmas Dinner, pick out gifts for others to pay for and write letters to Santa. Pure bliss.
Since 1999 the Holidays have not been the same for me. I still love giving and receiving gifts, but loosing my mother; finally being in the financial place where I could indulge my self without having to resort to meatless weeks for a lack of money resulting in me being one of those people who are very hard to shop for; having to work the day after Thanksgiving, and having the office be closed only on Christmas Day, the holidays became less special.
This year is the first year that I went out of my way to decorate (2 trees, light outside, cookies) and it is fun, but it is hard to enjoy when exhausted from work. What happens is that several vendors run their business such that they have contract renewals at the end of the year, then you have to face those who plan to take the last 2 years of the year off. So I find my self scrambling to get things done to meet others needs and schedules instead of doing things on my own schedule. To top it off, I have had a nasty sinus infection that has had me dizzy and sleepy for over 10 days.
Next year I am going to be smarter. I am going to save enough vacation to be able to take more than 3 days off at the end of the year, and I am going to plan to take a winter vacation in early January!
No, rather it is about work. I love the holidays, or should say that I used to love the holidays when I was a child. But then, why wouldn't I love it then. My only responsibilities were to help decorate the tree, watch my mother prepare Christmas Dinner, pick out gifts for others to pay for and write letters to Santa. Pure bliss.
Since 1999 the Holidays have not been the same for me. I still love giving and receiving gifts, but loosing my mother; finally being in the financial place where I could indulge my self without having to resort to meatless weeks for a lack of money resulting in me being one of those people who are very hard to shop for; having to work the day after Thanksgiving, and having the office be closed only on Christmas Day, the holidays became less special.
This year is the first year that I went out of my way to decorate (2 trees, light outside, cookies) and it is fun, but it is hard to enjoy when exhausted from work. What happens is that several vendors run their business such that they have contract renewals at the end of the year, then you have to face those who plan to take the last 2 years of the year off. So I find my self scrambling to get things done to meet others needs and schedules instead of doing things on my own schedule. To top it off, I have had a nasty sinus infection that has had me dizzy and sleepy for over 10 days.
Next year I am going to be smarter. I am going to save enough vacation to be able to take more than 3 days off at the end of the year, and I am going to plan to take a winter vacation in early January!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
A word about my blog in process
As explained in the "digital ghetto" post, I am a Mac user (at home and would be at work if I could convince 19,999 other co-workers to join me). But I am constantly trying to add things to the blog, remove things and edit. So please bear with me.
With respect to the links from my reader, i found that this was an easy way to include links to things I like without dealing with the whole Mac Internet issue.
Finally with respect to the David Beckham add, he is simply hot hot hot. Usually I don't go for the buff and beautiful but Hot Damn, can you blame a girl?
Usually I prefer real people or quirky beautiful (think of the androgynous beauty of Prince, Johnny Depp). But there is something about a hard body in an underwear add that does it for me.
Oddly enough although I sigh dreamily over these wispy, sexually ambigious men, most of my true loves are manly, "basic" men, not Metrosexuals, not feminine, and usually favor jeans and t-shirts over dressing up. That is probably because they are real men, who are not worried about appearance, rather they care about real issues, and most importantly-- me.
Additionally, I do want to be with a man who I know that in an emergency I can count on not to leave me or Zak in the house while they run ineffectively about wondering what to do. While it may not be fair to andrognyous or slender artistic men (who again I find sexy, no wait... extremely sexy think Axyl Rose, Mic Jagger, Steven Tyler or Steve Conte), I want a man who gives the impression that he could carry me (and my shoes) out of the house if necessary.
I guess this post is no longer about my blog construction, it is more about my taste in men. Shocking. Not.
With respect to the links from my reader, i found that this was an easy way to include links to things I like without dealing with the whole Mac Internet issue.
Finally with respect to the David Beckham add, he is simply hot hot hot. Usually I don't go for the buff and beautiful but Hot Damn, can you blame a girl?
Usually I prefer real people or quirky beautiful (think of the androgynous beauty of Prince, Johnny Depp). But there is something about a hard body in an underwear add that does it for me.
Oddly enough although I sigh dreamily over these wispy, sexually ambigious men, most of my true loves are manly, "basic" men, not Metrosexuals, not feminine, and usually favor jeans and t-shirts over dressing up. That is probably because they are real men, who are not worried about appearance, rather they care about real issues, and most importantly-- me.
Additionally, I do want to be with a man who I know that in an emergency I can count on not to leave me or Zak in the house while they run ineffectively about wondering what to do. While it may not be fair to andrognyous or slender artistic men (who again I find sexy, no wait... extremely sexy think Axyl Rose, Mic Jagger, Steven Tyler or Steve Conte), I want a man who gives the impression that he could carry me (and my shoes) out of the house if necessary.
I guess this post is no longer about my blog construction, it is more about my taste in men. Shocking. Not.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Hair Balls and other pre sleep musings.
Sometime all you can do is move the hair ball to the other pocket.
This is currently how I feel today.
Not exactly sure what it means with respect to me, but I read it in a "Dilbert" comic (see my reader list) and it made me laugh. The more I thought about it the more I decided that I applied to me, today, right now.
It probably stems from being overworked and slightly stressed. The problem in being in the services business, is that other peoples schedules and needs suddenly determine your schedule. Usually I don't mind, but today it really got on my nerves. I really need to take some time and work on my patience. Someone called me about an agreement, that actually was next in line, but I told him (not to kindly) that he would get it tomorrow after I got several other agreements that were equally as important to the people who asked for it first. Sigh, I really need to work on my holiday spirit.
This is currently how I feel today.
Not exactly sure what it means with respect to me, but I read it in a "Dilbert" comic (see my reader list) and it made me laugh. The more I thought about it the more I decided that I applied to me, today, right now.
It probably stems from being overworked and slightly stressed. The problem in being in the services business, is that other peoples schedules and needs suddenly determine your schedule. Usually I don't mind, but today it really got on my nerves. I really need to take some time and work on my patience. Someone called me about an agreement, that actually was next in line, but I told him (not to kindly) that he would get it tomorrow after I got several other agreements that were equally as important to the people who asked for it first. Sigh, I really need to work on my holiday spirit.
Happy Holidays
Here is what I do not understand. The people who have nothing better to do than complain that large corporations (who are in business to make money after all) have removed the religious element from Christmas.
How can anyone with a straight face couch this as a religious argument. It seems as the religious right thinks this is a great issue, and that consumers should boycott corporations who don’t have specific Christmas greetings in their catalogs. As a matter of fact I nearly drove off of the highway this morning as I was listening to a religion based talk show. I think it was a show from the Family Values group or some other organization, which prides it self in fighting for Christian based issues. What had me so steamed was the lack of logic behind this whole movement. Perhaps I do not understand their position.
Ok, lets start with what I understand is that these groups, lets call them the RRC (for religious right crusaders) have a concern that Christmas is being censored because many corporations choose to use the more inclusive Happy Holidays, and Holiday Greetings instead of Merry Christmas.
Putting aside that public corporations are in the business to make money for their shareholders. And that many of these RR crusaders are probably invested through their IRAs or 401(k) or pensions in the very corporations they are suggesting people don’t purchase from. Putting that all aside, why should something secular (a corporation) be held to uphold a religious standard. Unless it is a corporation that sells exclusively religious items, they are selling to anyone and everyone who has money and a desire to buy their products. So why should the bow to represent only one religions holidays? What about Jews, Muslims, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others who do not celebrate Christmas. Should these corporations bow to only recognizing Christmas in December thus missing out on Chanukah, large food purchases for the feast after Ramadan (which can be in December), or any other holiday merriment that comes at the end of the year? As a Christian shareholder I say no!
Additionally, the same RRC who have recently adopted the fight against the censoring of Christmas, are the same ones who have long bemoaned the commercialization of the same holiday. So how is the reasonable corporation to respond?
A few years ago:
RRC: Christmas is too commercial.
Corporate Response: Fine let’s change it to Holidays, good for profit, good for not commercializing a religious holiday (leaving aside the fact that “true” biblical scholars are not sure that Jesus was born in December, thus many determine that it is celebrated in December near the Winder Solstice based in the large pagan holiday celebration- but I digress).
A few years later
RRC : you have gotten away from Christmas, you are censoring it by saying Happy Holidays.
Corporate Response: But you just told me it was too commercial!
The only point of levity from this morning’s broadcast came from one of the commentators, who proudly commented that she and her family “Only give gifts that celebrate the birth of the Christ child.” She then went on to say that she would not purchase any Christmas gifts from “Old Navy” because they say Happy Holidays, and not Merry Christmas. Now, I don’t shop in Old Navy, but I will hazard to guess that none of the products they sell have anything to do with, or reflect upon the birth, the life or the resurrection of the Christ. So why would she ever look at their catalog or go into the store?!?! Perhaps she was looking for painters pants, although Jesus was a carpenter not a painter, or perhaps she was looking for sandles? At any rate, her argument did not and does not work with me.
As a Christian I am often dismayed at peoples interpretation of what is Christian, what is religious and how one goes about spreading the word of the Gospel and honoring Jesus. The RRC’s are no where near reasonable about this, and most of their actions, from my world view are neither Christian or correct. But that is for another post.
Happy Holidays!
How can anyone with a straight face couch this as a religious argument. It seems as the religious right thinks this is a great issue, and that consumers should boycott corporations who don’t have specific Christmas greetings in their catalogs. As a matter of fact I nearly drove off of the highway this morning as I was listening to a religion based talk show. I think it was a show from the Family Values group or some other organization, which prides it self in fighting for Christian based issues. What had me so steamed was the lack of logic behind this whole movement. Perhaps I do not understand their position.
Ok, lets start with what I understand is that these groups, lets call them the RRC (for religious right crusaders) have a concern that Christmas is being censored because many corporations choose to use the more inclusive Happy Holidays, and Holiday Greetings instead of Merry Christmas.
Putting aside that public corporations are in the business to make money for their shareholders. And that many of these RR crusaders are probably invested through their IRAs or 401(k) or pensions in the very corporations they are suggesting people don’t purchase from. Putting that all aside, why should something secular (a corporation) be held to uphold a religious standard. Unless it is a corporation that sells exclusively religious items, they are selling to anyone and everyone who has money and a desire to buy their products. So why should the bow to represent only one religions holidays? What about Jews, Muslims, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others who do not celebrate Christmas. Should these corporations bow to only recognizing Christmas in December thus missing out on Chanukah, large food purchases for the feast after Ramadan (which can be in December), or any other holiday merriment that comes at the end of the year? As a Christian shareholder I say no!
Additionally, the same RRC who have recently adopted the fight against the censoring of Christmas, are the same ones who have long bemoaned the commercialization of the same holiday. So how is the reasonable corporation to respond?
A few years ago:
RRC: Christmas is too commercial.
Corporate Response: Fine let’s change it to Holidays, good for profit, good for not commercializing a religious holiday (leaving aside the fact that “true” biblical scholars are not sure that Jesus was born in December, thus many determine that it is celebrated in December near the Winder Solstice based in the large pagan holiday celebration- but I digress).
A few years later
RRC : you have gotten away from Christmas, you are censoring it by saying Happy Holidays.
Corporate Response: But you just told me it was too commercial!
The only point of levity from this morning’s broadcast came from one of the commentators, who proudly commented that she and her family “Only give gifts that celebrate the birth of the Christ child.” She then went on to say that she would not purchase any Christmas gifts from “Old Navy” because they say Happy Holidays, and not Merry Christmas. Now, I don’t shop in Old Navy, but I will hazard to guess that none of the products they sell have anything to do with, or reflect upon the birth, the life or the resurrection of the Christ. So why would she ever look at their catalog or go into the store?!?! Perhaps she was looking for painters pants, although Jesus was a carpenter not a painter, or perhaps she was looking for sandles? At any rate, her argument did not and does not work with me.
As a Christian I am often dismayed at peoples interpretation of what is Christian, what is religious and how one goes about spreading the word of the Gospel and honoring Jesus. The RRC’s are no where near reasonable about this, and most of their actions, from my world view are neither Christian or correct. But that is for another post.
Happy Holidays!
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