Private Leer jets, not one but multiple; $60,000 a year for school tuition for the president elects daughters. I am shopping at the Dollar Store and Thrift Stores, but hey these people are normal everyday citizens right?
The Auto industry CEO's arrive in Washington each in their own company Leer Jet. When asked by a senator to raise their hand if they were willing to give up their Leer jet and fly commercial first class, not a single CEO raised his hand. I don't know but you do the math, $20,000 for a round trip on the Leer jet vs $1200 round trip commercial first class. The senator wasn't even asking the CEO's to fly coach!
And to add insult to injury, the CEO's are in Washington asking for $25 billion but then when they were asked what their plan was on how they intend to spend the money to save the auto industry not a single one could answer the question. This sounds more like puppies following puppies. The banking industry is getting all this bailout money so the auto industry wants some as well. (I am sorry to tell them but this really isn't free money to further stuff their heavy pockets, despite what the execs at the various banking establishments seem to think while they continue to have their hundreds of thousands of dollars "retreats").
People are losing jobs right and left, people are losing their homes, people are losing their hard earned savings and retirement accounts, yet CEO's are still flying in company jets, CEO's are still collecting huge balloon bonuses and raises.
What is wrong with these people? How many jobs could have been saved using that incentive bonus pay. And how is a yearly education tuition for 2 daughters of $60,000 equate to an "everyday, regular" president elect. Forgive me but when my own family yearly income isn't even close to $60,000 / year, I have trouble seeing a $60,000 annual tuition bill as "everyday or regular".
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
When will it stop
Last week a church youth group got together as they do every month for a gathering at a local youth center. They were there to play games, watch movies, eat popcorn, basically to spend time in a "safe" environment.
Once again the concept of "safe" environment was overrated. Three young adults (I use that term lightly) decided they had other ideas. They approached the youth center and one of them started shooting, while another stood look out and the third drove the getaway car.
Evidently they did in fact have an intended target, but as is the case with so many senseless acts, it was the innocent that died. Yes a young man intending to get married was killed.
What has happened to our society anymore that so many feel the answer to their squabbles is violence. My only answer seems to be that somewhere we have stopped teaching tolerance of others. Are these problems at home, school or both?
When are we going to wake up and start realizing that victims are the ones that should have the rights and not the criminals? Three square meals a day, a warm bed to sleep in, a roof over their head, free medical care and on and on. They don't pay for their TV or internet access, they don't have to buy a library card. We treat the criminals better than we treat returning veterans and way better than we treat our homeless population.
As kids we would head outside to play in the neighborhood after breakfast and return at dinner time. Today kids can't even seem to go to a seemingly safe church youth group activity anymore. I am appalled, I am ashamed, and I feel sorry for today's kids because they truly are missing out on some of the best parts of growing up. And why? because of a select few that seem to have more rights than those of us that are in fact law abiding citizens.
Once again the concept of "safe" environment was overrated. Three young adults (I use that term lightly) decided they had other ideas. They approached the youth center and one of them started shooting, while another stood look out and the third drove the getaway car.
Evidently they did in fact have an intended target, but as is the case with so many senseless acts, it was the innocent that died. Yes a young man intending to get married was killed.
What has happened to our society anymore that so many feel the answer to their squabbles is violence. My only answer seems to be that somewhere we have stopped teaching tolerance of others. Are these problems at home, school or both?
When are we going to wake up and start realizing that victims are the ones that should have the rights and not the criminals? Three square meals a day, a warm bed to sleep in, a roof over their head, free medical care and on and on. They don't pay for their TV or internet access, they don't have to buy a library card. We treat the criminals better than we treat returning veterans and way better than we treat our homeless population.
As kids we would head outside to play in the neighborhood after breakfast and return at dinner time. Today kids can't even seem to go to a seemingly safe church youth group activity anymore. I am appalled, I am ashamed, and I feel sorry for today's kids because they truly are missing out on some of the best parts of growing up. And why? because of a select few that seem to have more rights than those of us that are in fact law abiding citizens.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Only in America
Only in America does anyone no matter race, beliefs, or unrealistic promises have the opportunity to run and be elected to the highest office in the land, President.
I will admit, I did not vote for Obama, not as many might think because he was black, frankly I wouldn't care if he was blue and had six eyes. I didn't vote for him based on my understanding of his philosophy and lack of concrete ideas for "changing" the course of America in these challenging times.
You see I don't vote on the party line or with my heart. I vote with my brain for the individual that I feel is the BEST person for the job. I truly question whether or not the majority of the voters that voted for Obama can honestly say the same thing.
I would have even less of a problem with this whole election process had I not seen with my very own eyes last night how very skewed the election process really is. At exactly 8pm straight up without even 1 single vote having been reported, EVERY single national television station declared Obama the President Elect. Not 1 vote. How does that really say that my vote counts? This is not a vote by the people.
I will accept our new President Elect, because I am an American, because I believe in our country and because I believe that whether the individual I voted for wins or loses this still is the best country in the world and because believe it or not just because I did not vote for the African American candidate I am not a "racist".
I will admit, I did not vote for Obama, not as many might think because he was black, frankly I wouldn't care if he was blue and had six eyes. I didn't vote for him based on my understanding of his philosophy and lack of concrete ideas for "changing" the course of America in these challenging times.
You see I don't vote on the party line or with my heart. I vote with my brain for the individual that I feel is the BEST person for the job. I truly question whether or not the majority of the voters that voted for Obama can honestly say the same thing.
I would have even less of a problem with this whole election process had I not seen with my very own eyes last night how very skewed the election process really is. At exactly 8pm straight up without even 1 single vote having been reported, EVERY single national television station declared Obama the President Elect. Not 1 vote. How does that really say that my vote counts? This is not a vote by the people.
I will accept our new President Elect, because I am an American, because I believe in our country and because I believe that whether the individual I voted for wins or loses this still is the best country in the world and because believe it or not just because I did not vote for the African American candidate I am not a "racist".
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Self Esteem
I remember when my kidlets were in elementary school, the BIG buzz was self esteem. The really smart kids were not supposed to be given special attention as this might make those students that struggle more feel uncomfortable. When students were identified at "Student of the Month" they were only allowed the honor once a year in order to spread the honor around to as many students as possible. This was all bad enough. I feel that children should be rewarded for hard work, and rewarding one child will give the other children something to strive for, because after all isn't that what we are really trying to accomplish? is to help each child be the very best they can be? Not all students are straight A students, but effort is always a better grade than letters.
Now I am watching the constant barrage of news about the obesity epidemic of today's youth. I will admit, I have always struggled with my weight, and yes I will admit I am obese. But the one thing I do not need is to be constantly reminded how my obesity is going to shorten my life, I don't want to be this way. I have tried all kinds of diets but have always been unsuccessful. My insurance does not cover weight reduction surgery. Rather ironic when you think about it, if I lost the weight my health would be better and therefore my health care expenses would be less.
I don't bring my weight problems up because I like drawing attention to myself, I mention it because I am an adult and I know how deep the sharp edges of the blades of criticism go. If as an adult I feel this degree of pain imagine what our children with weight issues must feel. Not only are they getting bombarded by the media and adults but they are also humiliated by the cruelest of all critics, their peers.
It is important that we teach our children healthy food choices early in life as well as encourage physical activity. Computers and video games have taken the place of good old fresh air activities but our parents battled with television when we were kids and yet somehow they managed to encourage us to "play" outside the better part of a day. Parents today are lazy, rather than stepping up and controlling computer and video game time it is easier to ignore the situation.
We need to teach our children to appreciate their bodies and to treasure life. Making good food choices and increasing physical activity is only part of the solution. We need to stop trying to fit every child into the same mold. I am not promoting obesity, what I am promoting is tolerance.
Now I am watching the constant barrage of news about the obesity epidemic of today's youth. I will admit, I have always struggled with my weight, and yes I will admit I am obese. But the one thing I do not need is to be constantly reminded how my obesity is going to shorten my life, I don't want to be this way. I have tried all kinds of diets but have always been unsuccessful. My insurance does not cover weight reduction surgery. Rather ironic when you think about it, if I lost the weight my health would be better and therefore my health care expenses would be less.
I don't bring my weight problems up because I like drawing attention to myself, I mention it because I am an adult and I know how deep the sharp edges of the blades of criticism go. If as an adult I feel this degree of pain imagine what our children with weight issues must feel. Not only are they getting bombarded by the media and adults but they are also humiliated by the cruelest of all critics, their peers.
It is important that we teach our children healthy food choices early in life as well as encourage physical activity. Computers and video games have taken the place of good old fresh air activities but our parents battled with television when we were kids and yet somehow they managed to encourage us to "play" outside the better part of a day. Parents today are lazy, rather than stepping up and controlling computer and video game time it is easier to ignore the situation.
We need to teach our children to appreciate their bodies and to treasure life. Making good food choices and increasing physical activity is only part of the solution. We need to stop trying to fit every child into the same mold. I am not promoting obesity, what I am promoting is tolerance.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Day dreams
I love Saturdays. Don't get me wrong I love my family and friends very much, but Saturdays, well they are special. You see Saturdays I have all to myself. I can sit and day dream, or go for a walk with my devoted four legged companion, I can eat when I want, what I want, where I want, I can go and get a fruit smoothie, or an iced coffee or I can just sit and stare at the bright blue crisp sky outside. You see Saturdays are ALL mine. My man leaves early in the morning to do his duty at the fire station for 24 hours, and of course I live in an empty nest so both kidlets are already gone off on their own.
I don't clean on Saturdays anymore, I don't do laundry, sometimes I don't even make my bed. It is just me and my four legged companion. I don't have to think about what to make for lunch or dinner (I can have a bowl of hot oatmeal for dinner if I want) or even worry about cleaning up the dishes until I want to.
I can sit in the middle of the family room floor and look at photo albums reminiscing of when my kidlets were young, or when I was young for that matter. Saturdays are a peaceful time, I don't have to listen to the horrible news about this murder, that child abuse, the stock market crash, or more senseless squabbles amongst the political candidates.
Yup, I love Saturdays, my day to be selfish, silly and totally uncommitted to anything or anyone. Sunday comes soon enough and so does reality but for now, it is just me and my Saturday.
I don't clean on Saturdays anymore, I don't do laundry, sometimes I don't even make my bed. It is just me and my four legged companion. I don't have to think about what to make for lunch or dinner (I can have a bowl of hot oatmeal for dinner if I want) or even worry about cleaning up the dishes until I want to.
I can sit in the middle of the family room floor and look at photo albums reminiscing of when my kidlets were young, or when I was young for that matter. Saturdays are a peaceful time, I don't have to listen to the horrible news about this murder, that child abuse, the stock market crash, or more senseless squabbles amongst the political candidates.
Yup, I love Saturdays, my day to be selfish, silly and totally uncommitted to anything or anyone. Sunday comes soon enough and so does reality but for now, it is just me and my Saturday.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The battle with the furry underground critters
Three years ago my man and I moved into our home in the country, on THE hill. The gardens were grossly cared for and little color was found other than moss green, and weed browns. In an effort to establish instant spring color without too much work until the gardens could be primed I went to my local nursery and bought over 300 early spring, late spring and summer blooming bulbs. They were going to be beautiful, crocuses, tulips (in a variety of colors) and daffodils (king Alfred's, two tones, double blooms) ah and the gladioli ( just a few though, they tend to fall over a lot with the rains).
I set out on a crisp fall day with my bulb planter in one hand and my bulb food in the other. This will be great, come spring the back yard will just be awash in a multitude of color.
WA-LA!!! Spring finally arrives, okay I am ready, where is my backyard color sensation? Yes well lots of crocuses in one spot (even though I could almost swear I spread them out more extensively). Ah well no matter the daffs should be next to follow in a couple weeks. And I planted LOTS of daffodils. Okay 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 3 1/2 weeks, where are my daffodils? I know I planted more than 10!!! Hmmmm something is up under my newly planted splash of color. Okay well again no matter because surely the tulips will rise to all their glory, right? maybe? please?
Now what are all these mounds in my garden? I don't remember all these soft, freshly dug mounds of smooth dirt going right down the middle of MY BULBS!!!!!
Great my color sensation turned out to basically be a color unsensation. Out of the more than 300 bulbs I planted I think less than 10% actually came to fruition. I am so glad I could provide such a tasty morsel winter snack to all our underground furry friends.
Next year I am going to plant giant garlic bulbs around each color sensational grouping. That will surely give those furry critters something to think about as they bite into the fiery garlic bulb instead of the sweet tasting flower bulb. WRONG!!!! Three years later and I am still replanting multiple bulbs only to have a 10% or less crop by the following spring. Why are my bulbs so tasty? Others in the neighborhood have beautiful collections of multicolored bulbs sprouting up all over their yards (and I do mean all over, :) )
Well any suggestions on how to keep the squirrels and moles away from my bulbs will be greatly appreciated.
I set out on a crisp fall day with my bulb planter in one hand and my bulb food in the other. This will be great, come spring the back yard will just be awash in a multitude of color.
WA-LA!!! Spring finally arrives, okay I am ready, where is my backyard color sensation? Yes well lots of crocuses in one spot (even though I could almost swear I spread them out more extensively). Ah well no matter the daffs should be next to follow in a couple weeks. And I planted LOTS of daffodils. Okay 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 3 1/2 weeks, where are my daffodils? I know I planted more than 10!!! Hmmmm something is up under my newly planted splash of color. Okay well again no matter because surely the tulips will rise to all their glory, right? maybe? please?
Now what are all these mounds in my garden? I don't remember all these soft, freshly dug mounds of smooth dirt going right down the middle of MY BULBS!!!!!
Great my color sensation turned out to basically be a color unsensation. Out of the more than 300 bulbs I planted I think less than 10% actually came to fruition. I am so glad I could provide such a tasty morsel winter snack to all our underground furry friends.
Next year I am going to plant giant garlic bulbs around each color sensational grouping. That will surely give those furry critters something to think about as they bite into the fiery garlic bulb instead of the sweet tasting flower bulb. WRONG!!!! Three years later and I am still replanting multiple bulbs only to have a 10% or less crop by the following spring. Why are my bulbs so tasty? Others in the neighborhood have beautiful collections of multicolored bulbs sprouting up all over their yards (and I do mean all over, :) )
Well any suggestions on how to keep the squirrels and moles away from my bulbs will be greatly appreciated.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Alzheimer's, Dimentia, or just Forgetfulness....
It is October and still everyone is begging for those sunny warm days. Not me, I like cloudy days, as long as it is raining too. I like to sit with my nice warm cup of hazelnut latte, cuddled up in my warm fuzzy Eeyore blanket and listen to the rain drops drip dipping away.
Today is almost that kind of day except...I can't breathe!! Well I can but it feels like I can't most of the time. (Lung conditions yuck!!) After fighting with this ailment (I have problems at least 3-4 times a year) for several days I finally decided to concede to the doctor, well half way. I notified my delightfully talented doctor yesterday, "yep me here, yep got it again, yep can't breath without coughing, yep feel like &*(^. We agree to try Prednisone first. I hate Prednisone (it messes with my blood sugars something fierce, up, down, up, down, but mainly up). If the Prednisone doesn't work then will add the antibiotics (hate the antibiotics too, they mess with the digestion if you get my drift). Okay, so agree to start with the Prednisone, doctor will have nurse phone it in, great, I will give it a couple hours, go pick up the script and sneak on over to Starbucks for my weekly fix, ah heaven. WRONG!!!! After waiting all day for the script my man goes by to pick it up and pharmacy has no record of the call from doc. Great another night not being able to catch my breath.
So I get up this morning and send my doc a cute little email, hey doc, no script, what's the deal. He quickly writes back, hmmm, sure it was phoned in, will check on it. Meanwhile here I sit, no hazelnut latte, but rain outside, and my fuzzy Eeyore blanket but not being able to catch my breath. Yes this could be better.
Oh cool just got call from nurse, she FORGOT to call in the script!!!! Good thing I just couldn't breath and not something like a REAL problem. Oh well my man will pick it up on his way home. We all hope!!!! it will be there by then.
Yes this could be better. Oh bother.......
Today is almost that kind of day except...I can't breathe!! Well I can but it feels like I can't most of the time. (Lung conditions yuck!!) After fighting with this ailment (I have problems at least 3-4 times a year) for several days I finally decided to concede to the doctor, well half way. I notified my delightfully talented doctor yesterday, "yep me here, yep got it again, yep can't breath without coughing, yep feel like &*(^. We agree to try Prednisone first. I hate Prednisone (it messes with my blood sugars something fierce, up, down, up, down, but mainly up). If the Prednisone doesn't work then will add the antibiotics (hate the antibiotics too, they mess with the digestion if you get my drift). Okay, so agree to start with the Prednisone, doctor will have nurse phone it in, great, I will give it a couple hours, go pick up the script and sneak on over to Starbucks for my weekly fix, ah heaven. WRONG!!!! After waiting all day for the script my man goes by to pick it up and pharmacy has no record of the call from doc. Great another night not being able to catch my breath.
So I get up this morning and send my doc a cute little email, hey doc, no script, what's the deal. He quickly writes back, hmmm, sure it was phoned in, will check on it. Meanwhile here I sit, no hazelnut latte, but rain outside, and my fuzzy Eeyore blanket but not being able to catch my breath. Yes this could be better.
Oh cool just got call from nurse, she FORGOT to call in the script!!!! Good thing I just couldn't breath and not something like a REAL problem. Oh well my man will pick it up on his way home. We all hope!!!! it will be there by then.
Yes this could be better. Oh bother.......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)