Lately we've been having problems at bedtime. Yes, yes. This is another Bunny Boop story.
So, the past three or four evenings, despite being obviously tired and ready for bed, Bunny has been adamantly reluctant to retire. She wants to cuddle. She'll stay in her room if I'm there, but she won't lay down. She screams. She rattles the gate on her crib. She gets irate.
For the first couple of nights, I put this down to her still having a cold and perhaps sleeping allowed the mucous to settle in her chest, or something.
Last night - EUREKA! - I finally figured it out.
Bunny Boop has developed a fear of the dark. This is why she doesn't mind rocking in the dark if I'm holding her and why my leaving the room is cause for panic. At least, this is my best current hypothesis. Last night I told her I wasn't going to play her game all night long. I left her in her room, turned on the bathroom light across the hall, and mostly closed her bedroom door, leaving a 2.5 inch gap.
This appeased her in a way that nothing else would. She plopped right down, cuddled up with bibi, and went to sleep.
15 minutes later I turned out the bathroom light. Seriously? She's never been afraid of the dark before, so this never would have occurred to me. And, before you think me horrid, she does have 2 nightlights in her room. It is just that she can't really see them from her crib, positioned as it is. They are the glowy sort that have a very flat profile (so that she won't play with them) to the wall.
Anyway, problem solved. It probably took me longer to figure it out than it should have; proving yet again that I am not an exceptionally good mother and reinforcing the fact that most of her problems are caused by me.
I've Just Been Party to The Strangest Conversation Ever
I don't really know where to begin. I've just had the most bizarre conversation ever and you need to read all about it because I need to share the madness.
Phone Rings.
I pick it up and spout the accepted greeting, identifying myself to the caller.
"You have a beautiful voice," the man says to me. Actually, I get this a lot so this particular statement isn't all that alarming.
"Thank you," I say.
"You are a insert job title here, right?" the unidentified mall caller asked.
"Yes, that's right." I affirm.
"Great. I'm a permanent resident alien in this country - originally I'm from Canada - and when I was growing up I just loved this particular brand of syrup. And you know what? You can't get it here in the United States. I would like to import it."
"okay..." I say, trying to draw the guy out on how I can help him.
He continues, "I want to import it, make a lot of money, keep a million or two for me, and then give the rest to the Governor - because that's the right thing to do. Right?"
"okay..."
"This syrup is so amazing! It's like the best thing you've ever tasted! And you can't get it here. So, I need help importing it. Can you help me with that?"
"Umm, that's not exactly what we do. We handle commodities from the financial side - not the physicals."
"Oh, I see. So you would suggest...?"
"Contacting the manufacturer directly."
"Okay. That syrup is really something and I could use the money."
"okay then..."
"So, wait, let me ask you one more question."
"Okay. Go ahead."
"As I've told you, I am a Canadian and grew up in Canada. My father, who I haven't spoken to in over 20 years, signed my name to some document back when I was 19. He signed this here in the US when I was in Canada. Right? Right? So that's fraud, right? And now, there are all these documents with my signature, all this money in my name, that I can't touch. That's fraud, right? It's not all about me, of course. I'd give most of the money away - do the Christian thing - but my wife she doesn't want any money. Hates it. That's fraud, right?"
"I'd suggest you get an attorney."
"Oh, we've had one. They just blah blah blah and nothing changes. That's financial fraud, right?"
"It is something, alright."
"I tell you, I'm gonna go on the Dr. Phil show and expose the whole Mennonite community. This is ridiculous! This is fraud!"
"Wow." I really don't know what to say at this point, clearly.
"Okay, then, I'll let you go. Thanks for your help."
"Goodbye."
This conversation was so...random. And, I'm not entirely sure all his legos were correctly snapped into place ifyouknowwhatImeanandIthinkyoudo. The entire conversation on his end was so...stream of consciousness. It may not read that way, but that's how it happened. He kept asking me to agree with him. The conversation actually went on for about 10 minutes, I've merely hit the high points. But the thing that bothers me is that even though I'd made it clear that I was not going to be able to provide him with the help he was seeking, he kept dishing me all of this personal information. Odd. And, as he continued talking, I couldn't help seeing him with my mind's eye.
You know, some guy in green utility scrub-type garb, leaning over the nurse's station while she was at the bathroom, dialing some number at random as he ate his pancakes with a plastic spoon.
See how ungenerous I am? The man was perfectly delightful, perfectly polite and pleasant, and yet...I think he's picking the salt off of crackers and trying to lick the back of his ear.
Hurray! Another meme! This one came from the swashbuckling El Capitan of the Baboon Pirates. A shipful of nautical primates...sounds...messy. Anyway, on with the show:
The "I've Come to Realize" Meme:
1. I have come to realize that my butt: is like a black hole. It only expands - no matter how much I work out. The best I can hope for is a pair of jeans that make it look smaller. Like wallpapering the Grand Canyon, but whatever...
2. I have come to realize that when I talk: I am very emphatic and passionate, sometimes to my detriment.
3. I have come to realize that if I love someone: I am able to forgive a great many things, that I find personal calm in that relationship, and that it is a valuable jewel that I treasure.
4. I have come to realize that I need: more sleep than I really get, and a multitude of projects to occupy my busy brain. Or I'm not really happy.
5. I have come to realize that I lost: my mind and my memory the moment I became a mother.
6. I have come to realize that I hate it when: the phone rings.
7. I have come to realize that if I'm drunk: I make inappropriate observations and compliments such as "you have such a cute little nose!" Seriously. Where does that come from?
8. I have come to realize that marriage: is a sublime state for me - my natural element. Some people are natural atheletes, I'm a natural wife. I enjoy the unspoken conversations, the reading of each other's minds, and the joy we find in each other and our child. Of course, this doesn't mean that I take it for granted that I'm married to a Prince or that I slack off. I appreciate him and our life together behind measure.
9. I have come to realize that work: makes me happy and it fulfills in me that need to accomplish something. I am aware of my workaholic tendencies, but prefer to see them as the by-product of a perfectionist state of being. I am never satisfied with my own performance.
10. I have come to realize that I will always be: a bitch. Frankly, I am far too opinionated to not rub a lot of people the wrong way. Screw 'em. I am who I am.
11. I have come to realize that I like: soft things. Baby feet, cashmere, silk, kittens...
12. I have come to realize that the last time I cried was: stress related and usually a signal that I need more sleep and more time with Bunny Boop. I worry that I'm not a good mommy.
13. I have come to realize that my cell phone is: something I'd really rather live without. But then, when would I find the time to talk to Christina?
14. I have come to realize that when I wake up in the morning: I am an ugly beast. Nobody wants to see that. Hair like the Bride of Frankenstein, breath that would kill a dragon, and crusty eyes...not pretty. Not pretty at all...
15. I have come to realize that before I go to sleep at night: I like to peek in on Bunny and kiss Prince Charming, even though they are both asleep. Knowing they are quiet gives me peace.
16. I have come to realize that right now I am thinking about: lunch, lunch time errands, and a bajillion other things like upcoming birthdays and such.
17. I have come to realize that babies: really are miracles and that I'd like another one. A child makes you see the best in the world and in yourself. I look at a baby and I feel...soft and warm.
18. I have come to realize that today I will: be going home early due to the weather.
19. I have come to realize that tonight I will: be working on another project, right after I work out and make supper and feed and bathe the child.
20. I have come to realize that tomorrow I will: do it all over again.
21. I have come to realize that I really want to: have another baby and get my MBA.
22. I have come to realize that working out: is a necessary evil and is acceptable if I consider it "Me Time."
23. I have come to realize that friends: are the grease that makes life livable. They are the release valve. I have some excellent friends and I am thankful for the role they play in keeping me sane.
24. I have come to realize that, the person who might repost this is: forget it, I am clueless.
Regular readers will recognize the title of this post as being a harbinger of another Bunny Boop story.
Bibi is Bunny Boop's most prized possession, her pastel afghan blanket, hand crocheted by my own aunt. Bibi is more than just a blanket, however.
She is friend, playmate, comfort, and toy all wrapped up into a neat little package. Bibi is almost human, in fact, as this story would suggest. Today's story serves nicely to further that point.
Last night, Bunny Boop was playing make believe with bibi. I'm not exactly sure what they were playing, but they were playing some sort of thing where bibi got dragged around behind Bunny Boop and got snagged on furniture.
At one point, Bunny Boop becomes quite animated. She turns around pointing and wagging her finger at bibi and says:
"NO, Bibi. No."
A brief moment passes, where in the silence one might imagine bibi responding.
Bunny Boop does not tolerate sassing back and says, "NO, Bibi, NO!"
I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing. I wonder where she picked that act up, eh?
And it absolutely broke my heart. I respect the man and the fact that he tried to run a different kind of campaign. He's the only politician I've ever given money to, and that's really saying something. I come from a long line of people who don't just pinch a penny, but make it squeal. I believed in the man and his agenda, and now that's all over.
And now it is time to evaluate the rest of the field and see if there is anything out there that appeals.
First, what are my concerns/core issues/background. It is important to know who you are and what you believe.
1. I grew up around guns and I do not fear them. What's more, as a one-time almost victim of rape, and one who lived alone for a long time, I take my right to self defense very seriously. The next sonuvabitch who tries to take what isn't being freely offered is gonna get a belly full of lead, and I'm not going to apologize for that. As such, the Second Amendment is of primary importance to me. Gun grabbers and gun control freaks need not apply for my vote.
2. Taxes. Nobody likes to pay taxes, I know, but the tax situation in this country is out of control. First of all, I live in one of the tax-iest states in the nation. I pay through the nose in property taxes. My mother pays less in the Chicago suburbs, if that gives you any frame of reference. And our home is nice, but it is just a starter home. So, there's that. I'm not particularly interested in anyone who intends to raise my taxes. What's more, I am seriously concerned about the tax consequences on the family business and on my sister and I and our cousins should either of the patriarchs exit this life. To put it bluntly, it is going to royally piss me off if the business has to be sold to pay off the government who did not toil in the sun to make it a going enterprise. Tax raisers need not apply.
3. Free Enterprise. I am a laissez faire conservative. I am firmly of the belief that the best government is the one that is smallest and meddles least. There isn't a commercial enterprise that the government has ever gotten involved with that isn't a colossalfuckup. AmTrak? Screwed. USPS? Screwed. Airlines, housing-bailout, etc, etc, all mistakes. And as such, I don't think the government needs to expand or bail anybody out, particularly not at taxpayer expense. Any candidate who suggests such measures will immediately be discounted. And don't even get me started railing on the current hue and cry over the housing bailout. You don't want to hear my opinion on the matter, I'm sure.
4. Roe v. Wade. Honestly, I am only including this because I don't want it to be said that it was an oversight. Frankly, I don't understand why people are still fighting on this issue. It is settled law and I don't see any need to change that. This goes along with my need to protect myself, to be honest. If the SOB does actually rape me, I don't want a reminder of it, 'kay? I'm pro-choice. I'm a woman and I understand both arguments. In the end, however, it is my body and there is nothing any church or government can say that is going to change that.
5. Religion. DOES NOT BELONG IN GOVERNMENT. PERIOD. Idiots who feel The Constitution needs to be revised to be more in line with God's laws...need to go back to the pulpit and get out of government. The founding fathers deliberated long and hard on that document. Those men were all god-fearing individuals of a Christian bent. They were aware of the need for God to be separate from Government. They sought to create a government of the people. They didn't deny that God has an impact on man, especially as it pertains to man's motivation and foibles, but they didn't believe that they needed law by god, but law by man. These men were the children of people who had already thrown off one tyrannical government, they didn't intend to trade for another. The Preamble says "We the People..." not "We, the children of God" or "As the bible says and God intends...." As such, no fucking around with the most amazing document in the world will not be tolerated, at least not for purposes that directly diminish the document's intent or power.
6. Foreign Policy/War on Terror: There are people who want to kill us. They are trying very hard to do so. They are so motivated, in fact, that they will happily give up their own lives to do so. This is an ugly reality, but must be faced. Any candidate who will not pursue our enemies to the ends of the earth, preferring an ostrich approach instead, will not be considered. I want my children to grow up free, not as second class citizens in a global caliphate. Moreover, there are regimes out there who are seeking nuclear weapons at the detriment of their own people. North Koreans are starving and barely clinging to the vine of life hanging over the pit of despair while Kim il Jong and his crazy pantsuit are doing their damnedest to seek the tools that will allow them to annihilate large groups of people. Same story with Ahmadinejad, except he's actually scarier. That bastard has been very vocal in his intent and there is no question who he wants to "wipe off the map." Ignoring these threats is not in keeping with this country's traditions of fostering liberty around the world. Any candidate who seeks to explain away or indulge these crazies on an equal footing has already lost the argument and will not be respected or tolerated.
7. Domestic Policy/Social Issues/Immigration: Egad. Look, I believe in the great melting pot, I really do. We are pretty much all the children of immigrants, are we not? My family has been here both since before the Revolutionary War (paternal side) and since before WWII (maternal side). I love this country's tradition of open arms, but I also believe in the rule of law and general fairness. I think that if you want to come live in this country you should do so legally and within the laws of the land. I certainly don't think you should get a pass because you cheated and snuck in, effectively cutting in line in front of all the people who did things the right way. I am also opposed to all the social ills that come with the open borders fiasco and there detrimental impact on our schools, hospitals, and the budgets that taxpayers fund. I absolutely believe that if you have cheated your way into this country you should be deported. And, I think if you have cheated your way into this country and then have committed a crime - be it rape, murder, or identity theft - then you should never again be allowed admittance. This isn't a leap, folks. The fact of the matter is that a large number of countries are harder to get into than the good ol' US of A. Mexico included. I'm not talking tourism, I'm talking moving there to live. Frankly, we are being taken advantage of and it offends me. It is a security risk, against the law, and against general principles of fairness. And that's all I'm gonna say about that.
Honestly, the entire field of candidates remaining are unsatisfactory. They are all fucking liberals. Even the Republicans!
Obama may be charming and he's surely a media darling, but he doesn't have the chops or the experience to be President. He doesn't. He hasn't even completed his first term in the Senate and the whole time he's been in the Senate he's been campaigning for President. He doesn't inspire confidence and honestly, the Clintons will never let him win anyway.
Clinton may be a woman, but there is nothing ladylike about her. I'm not saying that to be rude, just to point out that I'm unlikely to vote for her because of her gender. I take my politics a little more seriously than "Penis or Vagina." Moreover, she's just like her husband in that she's never going to come out on a position without first floating a poll, or her words will depend on what audience she's speaking to. She's untrustworthy. Of course, I'd still rather see her as President than Obama - better the villain you know...as they say.
Guiliani may have been great in New York as Mayor, and he is certainly a leader, but he's just too socially liberal for me. And, I don't like his record on gun rights.
Romney seems to slick by half, comes from the most liberal state in the nation, and I just can't get interested in him. He says mostly the right things, but it doesn't look like he means any of it.
McCain may have the experience, but I'd rather see Guiliani or Romney win than McCain. While I respect the man's military service and the time he spent as a POW, I feel like his time at the hand of his captor's broke his will. He's not a conservative and he is very likely to compromise on key issues that are important to me, to my detriment. Sure, he's one of the good guys when it comes to the GWOT, but in the meantime he's going to punch a hole in the bottom of the boat I'm riding in. I can not and will not vote for McCain. The MSM may love him, but that's basically because he's a liberal and likes to stick it to conservatives.
Huckabee. There's a better chance of me becoming a liberal than there is of me voting for Huckabee. This preacher should have stayed in the pulpit. Everytime he opens his mouth he makes me mad.
So, there you are. I'm depressed and unhappy with my options.
I'm tempted to vote for Hillary, to be honest. I hate her, but if this country is going to go to hell in a handbasket, I'd rather a liberal was carrying it.
Well, as you all no doubt have heard, the Green Bay Packers lost the NFC championship game to the New York Giants.
From all accounts it was a close game that went into overtime before a final determination was made. I feel badly for my friends who are Packers fans. Personally, I'm a Cowboys fan, so my hopes were dashed on the rocks a few weeks ago. Still, Packers fans are hungry for a win and deserve one. So, congrats on a great season. I, for one, am not going to rub anyone's nose in anything.
However, I am sick and tired and tired and sick of the unending speculation about Favre. For those of you not in the Wisconsin news market area, each year the media goes into a frenzy of "will he or won't he?" Seriously, The Brett is considered a minor deity here in the Dairyland and in the off season the only question (it seems) is will he retire this year. I so wish the will he or won't he crap would stop. It is so tiresome.
But that's a personal peccadillo.
Congrats to any and all Packers fans. And, there's always next year (with or without Brett).
If Old Man Winter were alone in a dark alley, I'd so totally jump his ass.
This non-stop sub-zero cold weather and snow sucks. It was -14 degrees on Saturday according to the thermometer in the car. Minus 14. Do you know what that feels like? No? Well, neither do I. The pain receptors shut down somewhere before you reach that point.
It is so damn cold that Jack Frost went South for the winter. And that bitch, Mother Nature? She is laughing in Al the Goracle's "Global Warming" Face. Global Warming, my ass! We could use some global warming right about now. We got another 8.8 inches of snow between yesterday afternoon and this morning.
Those of you with zipcodes in Southern California and San Antonio should keep all comments about your own weather to yourselves, lest the state of Wisconsin descend upon you and take you out in an alley too!
How often do I come out and tell you that you need to go out and buy something?
How often do I recommend a product?
Not too damn often.
Today, however, is different. (For the record, I am not a paid sponsor or endorser of this product - all comments and opinions are my own.)
Over the weekend I purchased the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Rejuvenator. This product has saved my life. Okay, that may be a bit strong. Let's just say that it has changed my life.
I am a thirty-something woman and am beginning to see my skin suffer small reverses. I have tiny little lines under my eyes (I call them toddler lines) and my skin isn't quite as elastic as it used to be.
I have always been skin-conscious, only wearing quality cosmetics, and dutifully following a regular skin care regimen. It is good to start these skin care habits when you are young so that they are habit. But lately I have found that the ol' routine isn't yielding the same results. I am, in short, growing older.
Now, I'm not one of those women who is considering surgery or botox. I don't think you can turn back the clock, but I have no problem slowing it down, either. I, like so many women, have used high-end cosmetic answers to the aging problems, but have often found the results unmeasurable. And, in fact, I've never been certain that I wasn't just throwing my money away on 2 oz containers of unguent with questionable qualities. Say that six times fast.
So, after watching the Diane Lane commercial on the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Rejuvenator, I decided to check it out. I like Diane Lane and she has lovely skin, but that had little to do with it.
I read the box at the store and picked one out. I took it home and followed the instructions. Basically, the contraption is a vibrator with a cleansing pad attached. The pad cleanses, but it also exfoliates. The entire face takes less than 10 minutes to treat and the results...?
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
I'm not even kidding. In a single treatment I found more visible results than I've ever seen in a single treatment (or 6-weeks treatment of anything else, to be honest). My skin absolutely glowed and felt...this is going to sound stupid...rejuvenated. The product literature says that you will "reveal noticeably softer, more luminous skin today" and they are not kidding. That's not advertising bs, that is the truth.
I had no sooner rinsed after my first use than I wanted to call all the women I know and tell them all about it. The really cool thing is that if you go to the website, you can register and get a coupon for the unit and another coupon for a refill on the puffs (the unit only comes with a single month's supply).
Here's the bottom line:
Real AMAZING Results from the first use
Continuing AMAZING Results that have a cumulative impact for younger more resilient and radiant skin
An incredibly affordable price, compared to other high-end products dubiously promising similar results.
Again, I have not been in contact with Neutrogena, this post has not been paid for; I am humbly telling my favorite women of a product that deserves a trial.
SpySistah, Mom, Christina: This means you. (Not there's anything wrong with any of you.)
In my morning surf, I learned that our good friend CalTechGirl has jury duty tomorrow. Good for her - she's going to go do her duty as a citizen.
I am less proud of the people in Greeley, Colorado. Why? Because they've been having trouble getting people to do their duty and serve. Less than 40 of the 200 people summoned showed up for service. And, because trials need to start so that there can be justice and shit, the judge wrote up emergency summons that were delivered to anybody they could find out and about on the street.
GREELEY – They roamed the streets of Greeley Wednesday morning with stacks of paper and an eye out for people they could summon to emergency jury duty.
Weld County and District Court staff handed subpoenas to more than 50 unsuspecting people, telling them they had to report for jury duty Wednesday morning because many of those summoned by mail did not show.
...
They say this is the third time in the last two months they've had to take such extreme action. Before December, they believe it had not happened in 15 years.
Judges and administrators will be meeting to discuss what to do with all those no-shows.
What is wrong with these people? Don't they have any respect for the law of the land or any sense of personal responsibility? They suck. And, not just because they've unduly inconvenienced the other law-abiding citizens of Greeley. The suck on a grander scale than that.
Shame.
Shame.
I hope the bastards all get 200 hours of community service.
It is one thing to decline due to being 8 and a half months pregnant or getting married that day, but this sounds like a more systemic problem. Bastards.
Imagine you are a rock star, touring the world with your own band, groupies neck deep...
Now, you have some decisions to make. Like...the name of your band, the name of your album, and the cover art for said album. Lucky for you there is this meme to answer this deep questions for you.
Follow these directions to the letter. It’s fun and requires no thought at all. Go to:
Have you caught the Sprint commercial where the actors have lots of little mini-me clones that are helping them be more effective? In it, there is a gentleman who I SWEAR could be Viggo Mortenson's dad - or what Viggo will look like in about 25 years.
Why is it that the best mousse in the can is the mousse at the end of the can? This is the best stuff - does the most for my hair. Why can't they make a mousse brand that is all end-of-the-can stuff?
Whenever I see a random shoe, glove, or sock on the road side or in the middle of the street, it freaks me out a little. I always end up wondering what happened to the hand or foot that used to be in that glove or shoe. And then I began to wonder about the trauma one must endure that might provoke them to leave a shoe behind. I mean, you don't leave one shoe behind in the middle of winter in Wisconsin. Doesn't happen. It is 19 degrees - you want your shoes on.
It bothers me even worse when the shoes, socks, gloves are child-sized. It makes me think abduction, to be honest. How does one get to school with only one shoe on, for example?
The gist behind this meme appears to be some sort of inquiry into privilege. It requires me to point out the original source based on copyright - that is below. The items that apply to me have been bolded.
Legal Crappola: Premise: bold each of the statements that applies. Original source: The list is based on an exercise developed by Will Barratt, Meagan Cahill, Angie Carlen, Minnette Huck, Drew Lurker, Stacy Ploskonka at Illinois State University. The exercise developers ask that if you participate in this blog game, you acknowledge their copyright.
Father went to college Father finished college Mother went to college Mother finished college Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor - I have a cousin who is a professor. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers Had more than 50 books in your childhood home - a whole family of book lovers, book hoarders, even. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home Were read children's books by a parent - this is the best way to read a story - out loud. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18 - ballet Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18 - and tap, violin, baton, cheerleading... The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively - I don't see a lot of people like me on tv, with the possible exception of the ladies on Cashmere Mafia, and they are only similar. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18 - I had a checking account at the age of 12, I think, could have been 14, and it was a great way to learn about money. I had a credit card when I was 17, I think, and 2 at 18. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs - My education was paid for in part by a sort of trust and also in part by my hard work. I worked on the family farm every summer from the time I was 5 (making beds) until I was done with college. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs - I'm going to count this one because although I worked for it, I did graduate without any debt (no school loans, etc) Went to a private high school - Oh, please! I'm a public school kid. Went to summer camp - not even close, unless there is a camp called "Wheat Harvest - Truck Driving and Tractor Work for Fun" Had a private tutor before you turned 18 (I never needed a steenking tutor, though I did volunteer as a tutor for the football team in college.) Family vacations involved staying at hotels - my mom usually went on vacation without us. As a child of divorce, my vacations were usually spent with my dad on the farm. Though I did travel to Germany, Hawaii, Cancun, and Peurto Vallarta with my family on vacation Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18 - I had plenty of hand-me-downs Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them - Wrong - I bought my first car - but my mom bought the second one... There was original art in your house when you were a child Had a phone in your room before you turned 18 - To preserve my step-father's sanity... You and your family lived in a single family house Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home You had your own room as a child Participated in an SAT/ACT prep course - I didn't take a course, but I did take the PSAT... Had your own TV in your room in High School Owned a mutual fund or IRA in High School or College Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16 - 16? 16? My dad had his pilot's license - I was flying when I was in diapers and flying as an unaccompanied minor (with the little SpySistah) at the age of 8 at least. Went on a cruise with your family Went on more than one cruise with your family Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up - Lot of museums... You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family
There you go. From looking at that I probably qualify as a spoiled brat...
My man, Fred Thompson, had a fabulous day yesterday!
First off, he is being declared the clear winner in last night's debate in South Carolina. He went on offense and showed people what he is all about, clearly articulating his positions.
From all accounts, he did exceedingly well. I say, Good For Fred! And, good for the American People too. Then, to ice the cake, he gets an endorsement from Human Events.
I urge you to look into Fred's position and see if it doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense. You'll be glad that you did.
Another day, another uber-important step in the 2008 presidential election process.
I am the bazillionth person to report it, but Clinton beat out Obama and McCain beat Romney.
God knows I'm no fan of Clinton (either of them), but a little part of me did a giddy happy dance to see Obamessiah get beaten. Yes, I am that petty.
McCain beat Romney which is also good, I feel, because it takes the "mandate" away from Huckabee while also proving elections aren't all about money.
I remain worried about Fred. He needs to take South Carolina. And not just take it, he needs to run through South Carolina like Katie Holmes goes through Niemann-Marcus, if you know what I mean. I've already donated to Fred's campaign and may end up doing some phone work too, if I can find the time.
If you happen to live in South Carolina, please consider giving Fred your vote in the primary. He's the only true conservative in the field.
Recently I ordered new bedding for our bed and it arrived yesterday. I love it. It is so soft and luxurious, and it seems to be the perfect balance of masculine and feminine. Indeed, even Prince Charming loves it!
I couldn't afford all the pieces, but when they go on clearance, they are MINE!
I don't know if you caught it on tv last night, but they premiered Cashmere Mafia on ABC last night after Desperate Housewives. I was not inclined to like it, having pretty much decided it wouldn't be worth my time.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. I really like Lucy Liu, always have ever since Ally McBeal. She's just fun. She didn't disappoint in this role either.
Bonnie Somerville, formerly of NYPD Blue, among other things, was also a delight to watch. Frances O'Connor (Bedazzled) and Miranda Otto (Starter Wife) round out the cast of principals. I was delighted with them all. They manage to project an image of professional, serious, successful women without falling back on any stereotypes. These characters don't feel ridiculous to me, at least not in the way that the ladies of Sex in the City did. There is humor, but it is more of the laugh-at-your-own-life type of thing than the more obvious easy crap. I hope they can sustain it. I'll be tuning in on Wednesday to see if they can.
Are you as glad as I am that the Iowa caucus is in the tail lights? Egad it was becoming annoying.
Look, I believe in the process. I really really do. I am just not enamoured of hearing about it with the unrelenting coverage. The fact is, the real election is practically a year away. There is so much time for things to change it is ridiculous. For all of the states clamoring to be the first primary, it is all a bunch of hooey. I think a bit more spread in the dates of the primaries would be advisable because it would give a bit longer for the message to get out. And for politicians to recover from gaffes.
But whatever.
My opinion on the results?
I don't really care who won on the blue side because, frankly, none of them inspire me. Clinton is more of the waffling corrupt political machine we've already endured once and I don't give a damn if she is a woman. Obama seems too young and too naive and too inexperienced to carry the mantle - he just doesn't inspire confidence that if push came to shove he'd be able to tell Ahmadinejad to go kiss his wife because we are lighting up the sky at dawn. He looks like he lacks backbone. Edwards is just a pretty pony who is a lot like saran wrap: you can see right through it and it has an annoying way of sticking to itself and not laying like you want it to.
On the right side of the field I am equally unimpressed. I wouldn't vote for Huckabee if you paid me. He's just a little too entrenched in his religion and that makes me uncomfortable. It isn't religion that makes me uncomfortable in and of itself, just the way it seems to lead him. I'm looking for a leader, not a follower of the faith, if that makes any sense. The only bright spot I see is the fact that it is still early days and there is plenty of time for Huckabee to go boom. Romney strikes me as the republican equivalent of a Clinton. He's slick and he's got money and a machine, but he's from one of the bluest - if not the bluest - states in the nation. Again, he doesn't inspire confidence. I have the same problem with Guiliani. I don't doubt his leadership bona fides, but he's too socially liberal for my tastes. I have a love/hate thing with McCain. I despise the anti-American crap that is McCain Feingold, but I respect the man's military service and his sacrifices. Still, I don't like his positions on illegal immigration or so-called "torture", nor do I like the fact that liberals like him - again, he's a little too far to the left on most issues. Though I don't doubt his leadership abilities and I like the way he tries to seek a compromise (I'm just not comfortable with some of the things he's willing to give up so readily to seek a compromise.)
I still like Fred Thompson and I am encouraged by his third place showing. He's the only real conservative in the field, the only one I feel that I can trust. And that is huge to me.
His positions are not likely to change based on polling and he's not likely to push some social agenda. He's the only one with any position papers that have any depth. It is clear to me that the guy has seriously looked at the problems facing this nation and he's not going to brush anything under the rug. He's a leader and he's a problem-solver. He's not afraid of talking tough or just plain calling bullshit on some reporter's antics. I like him. I feel like with Fred I know that my little girl will grow up free and unencumbered by the debt of two generation's worth of failed social programs. I know that Fred will continue to take the fight to our enemies to prevent another attack on American soil. More importantly, he's the only guy from whom I get a sense that he would actually prefer not to take the job. He's not seeking power or the limelight. But I have no doubt that he would work hard for the American people without pandering to special interests. This sort of big-picture integrity is both incredibly refreshing and awesome.
I just hope that people will keep listening to him. Because if you listen to what he has to say, it is hard to disagree with his conservatism.
