It's been awhile. Poo.
Winter is slithering in on me, and along with it, the usual winter blah.
On the upside, we're gonna spend the winter trying to get pregnant. What better way to spend the most dreary, miserable and cold season? Unfortunately, I have this terrible sneaking suspicion that it's not gonna be as easy as it was when I was 19. Strange how that works. But since I'm this huge believer in fate and karma and destiny, we're just gonna work on it the old fashioned way, and if that doesn't work, I don't think we should try too hard... if that makes sense.
We went Christmas shopping yesterday. I bought myself a pair of comfy sweatpants, a scarf, hat and cute mittens. I love Christmas shopping.
I just got over a deadly case of the flu. I'm happy to say I'm still alive. Barely. Interestingly, it followed a two week long boycott of the flu shot they're trying to force on me at work. My argument that my youth and pristine immune response doesn't hold a lot of water anymore.
Well, now you know why I haven't written in awhile. I don't have a lot to say. It's the weather. Bleck.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Keith Olbermann on Proposition 8
Okay, it gets a little sappy at the end, but very well put nonetheless.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Crazy Test
Instructions: Watch this video and if you find nothing wrong with it, pack your bags quickly and move directly to Montana. Please leave your guns behind.
Summer 2008
On a different (non-political) note, I started trying out my photography skills this year. While all I have is a crappy digital camera with one lens, I find that I've really enjoyed it. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the vacations I took over the summer.
.JPG)
Laguna Beach 
Hocking Hills
.JPG)
Laguna Beach 
Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills
.JPG)
Venice Beach
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Proposition 8
While I am still in electoral bliss from the election of Barack Obama as President, I am incredibly saddened by the passage of Proposition 8 in California, as well as several other steps backward in other states across the nation. California's situation is crushing because the proposition that was passed Tuesday was a constitutional amendment banning the recognition of gay marriage.
I believe the exact wording on the ballot was, "Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry". This proposition was the highest funded campaign on any state ballot on election day aside from the presidential campaign, and it was funded extensively by (tax exempt) churches. What is even more sad is that those couples who were able to marry when it was legal will have that union taken away.
I find it appalling and ironic that churches find it so important to spend their hard earned money- I mean easily acquired donations- spreading hate and taking away peoples' rights to be equal. And they weren't happy with Supreme Court decisions, they felt it completely necessary to change the State Constitution to take away rights from someone else entirely.
Some of the best people I know are gay, and some of the worst people I know call themselves christians. The fact is, people are people, gay, straight, black, white, christian or athiest. Shouldn't we be taking steps toward making constitutional amendments to make people more equal rather than less equal?? I can't believe how this country can take such a huge a step forward and such a huge step backward all in the same day.
Civil rights still have a long way to go.
I believe the exact wording on the ballot was, "Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry". This proposition was the highest funded campaign on any state ballot on election day aside from the presidential campaign, and it was funded extensively by (tax exempt) churches. What is even more sad is that those couples who were able to marry when it was legal will have that union taken away.
I find it appalling and ironic that churches find it so important to spend their hard earned money- I mean easily acquired donations- spreading hate and taking away peoples' rights to be equal. And they weren't happy with Supreme Court decisions, they felt it completely necessary to change the State Constitution to take away rights from someone else entirely.
Some of the best people I know are gay, and some of the worst people I know call themselves christians. The fact is, people are people, gay, straight, black, white, christian or athiest. Shouldn't we be taking steps toward making constitutional amendments to make people more equal rather than less equal?? I can't believe how this country can take such a huge a step forward and such a huge step backward all in the same day.
Civil rights still have a long way to go.
Post Election Blog and the Exorcism of John McCain
Today I am a special kind of happy. Tuesday our nation made history. Yesterday I went to work with my head held high, walked past the sulking, angry right and celebrated quietly in my heart. Today I have the opportunity to let this news settle and let the pride well up in my eyes.
Nearly eight years ago, I was unaffiliated. If anything, I was holding onto republican values that my mother stamped into my brain from 18 years of repetition. As I rooted for George W. (shiver), I remember a close friend asking me, how, in my social position, can I assimilate myself to a party that does so little for the people I know? That question has fizzled in my brain since then. I slept on the dirty floor in front of the TV in my rackety trailer that night, and watched the first election of two get stolen.
Fast forward a year to 9/11. I was dating an army boy, and he was sent to Afghanistan to fight the terrorists that did this to us. Never before did I feel such closeness to my fellow Americans. Democrat/Republican, we were broken, and we were pissed. This is where we had a chance to grab these people by their throats and show the world what really happens when you screw with the U.S. Shortly thereafter, Afghanistan was a figment of our imagination, and in our pain and anger, the administration told us to turn our attention to the real bad guys, in Iraq. Most did. The boy I was dating, and thousands of other troops were left in Afghanistan to fight a war without media coverage, without support, and without funding. I questioned it and was called un-American and a communist. (*chuckle*). Shortly after that, the administration's welfare reform took away opportunities for single mothers like myself to get an education and get on our feet.
It was official. I was awake. I was paying attention. I was involved.
In 2004, I absolutely expected a win for Kerry. While I was a Dean supporter, I could not imagine people still having faith in the administration's policies that had been so bad for the past few years. But apparently the same people that called me a communist for questioning bad policy in times of hardship, those people needed 4 more years of being slapped in the face to wake up. While I feel 2004 was also stolen, it was close enough to steal. That was the real problem.
I don't need to go into what has happened since then. It's waken us all up. The sleeping, the unaffiliated, and even a lot of republicans. The country has spoken. We are fed up and want change. We got it.
While I don't think Barack is the "second coming of Christ", as some put it, and while I don't agree with every single stance he's taken (my man was always Kucinich, it's too bad he's such a dork), I have stood behind him wholeheartedly, because that's what we needed to do to get change in the Whitehouse. It's a feeling that can be assimilated to when you turned 18 and left home. You gave it a go on your own, and you realized how cold and unforgiving life really was. Then one day you came down with the flu and went home so your mom could wrap you up and make you some chicken noodle soup. Barack is not my mother in this analogy, he's the soup.
I have wanted change for 8 years. I have lived in Findlay for 3 of those years. Being as boisterous and opinionated as I've been, it's been a type of torture. The majority here is a tiny slice of a small piece of pie. The pie is the nation, the slice represents the people in small towns and elsewhere that live in a bubble and don't see the rest of the world for what it is. The racial divide is a canyon. They talk to their like minded neighbor, they read their like minded newspaper, and ignore the reality of the rest of the world. While they are the majority here, and they find confidence in the masses that surround them, they are obviously NOT the majority. That reality punched them in the face late Tuesday night. The "slice" spoke on MSNBC this morning. A reporter said that as republicans, they are going to have to deal with being called un-American and un-patriotic while the far left run the nation. Well, welcome to karma-ville.
We have an opportunity that no other president has ever been able to give us. He is crossing over race and gender and status, and speaking to us as a broken nation.
My children will never look at a person of race and see that as a hardship that needs to be overcome before evening the plane. They will grow up with a black man as their president. We can get to what is really important. I grew up and have always lived in a small town where racism isn't screaming but it's a mutter under the breath. I wasn't allowed to date out of my race. It was imprinted on my mind as a child that there IS a difference. Although I wasn't allowed to hate, I was allowed to see a difference. And that might be worse. I never want that for my children.
I am so intensely proud to be an American today. While Findlay is a grumbling, angry place, where people are guaranteeing a terrorist attack, where they are promising me I will lose my job as a nurse under this administration, my smile can't be stopped. At least for today. I watched over the past months as people I knew, young people, worked our asses off to make Barack Obama Generation X's president. We united in a way that puts green in the eyes of other politicians. If only they could have the support that he has.
I watched McCain's concession speech and realized that he was only a puppet on the stage, and the unseen forces pulling his strings were the real bad guys. I used to say before McCain's campaign started that I wouldn't be too upset with McCain as the president because he was very bipartisan. But that was before he was possessed by the devil that has run our country into the ground for the past 8 years. His speech was the real McCain. I saw him after the demons had left him and felt a bit of sadness for the real man who lost the election. I'm watching now as they release into a cloud of fury, blaming Sarah Palin for their loss. And while I was never a Palin fan, I feel terrible for her.
Nevertheless, today is a bright day. Tomorrow is beaming with opportunity. I will never take a back seat and watch passively as someone makes bad decisions for us again. I see how united we are, and what a chance we have to make this country ours again. What a great day for us.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
On turning 30 and other potentially disheartening issues...
Ok, this is me admitting that I'm turning 30 this year. I've protested until now, mostly because, well, screw numbers. They're confusing and distracting, and all that really matters is what "is". And goddamnit, I feel 25.
But I have changed since 25. So what does that mean, really? For the best? The worst? It's really subjective. If we're talking about learned submissiveness, score one for me. If we're talking settling down and hitting the mute button on my crazy level, score one for me too. I suppose life is about choices; about getting by the best we can, and doing the right things whenever possible. But right for whom?
When I was just starting my 20's (and any time I've been under the influence) I had a plan not to have a plan. Why do we need a plan, really? So we can become carbon copies of our parents? How exciting. Bleck. Why does anyone want to see the same things, do the same things, see the same people for the rest of our lives? I thought want and desire was all about what can be learned and explored and found.
So my non-plan was to reject settling down with a job, a car (ok, maybe a car), a house, a man- and just go where I wanted to go, when I wanted to go there. You buy a house, or an expensive car and you are roped into paying for it for the next 5, 10, or 20 years. Which makes you have to have a solid job. And since the economy blows, it forces you into a relationship so you can afford to live comfortably. (Enter children, at any point...) So one day you wake up and you're staring death in the face and you haven't done or seen a fucking thing.
Screw that.
Give me an old VW bus- paid for, of course, and let me loose on the world. I'll hitch up a little tear drop camper on the back and stay where ever I stop. Find a skill and sell it for whatever I need- food, etc. But more than anything, I don't want to feel obligated to stay anywhere any longer than I want to.
Enter my kids.
Ok, a little hitch in the old plan. But why? Cause they need government controlled and propaganda filled textbooks to tell them about life and the world? How better to teach them than in person, through experience and actually seeing the shit- living it. And kids need stability? A myth, created by the man to keep everyone quiet and stablized where they're at.
Enter (republican-as-stable-as-they-come) husband. Ok. I give.
I know I sound a little stoner-y right now, but you can't tell me you haven't even at least considered it.
I have way too much to experience to actually be 30. Jesus, I have so much to do.....
But I have changed since 25. So what does that mean, really? For the best? The worst? It's really subjective. If we're talking about learned submissiveness, score one for me. If we're talking settling down and hitting the mute button on my crazy level, score one for me too. I suppose life is about choices; about getting by the best we can, and doing the right things whenever possible. But right for whom?
When I was just starting my 20's (and any time I've been under the influence) I had a plan not to have a plan. Why do we need a plan, really? So we can become carbon copies of our parents? How exciting. Bleck. Why does anyone want to see the same things, do the same things, see the same people for the rest of our lives? I thought want and desire was all about what can be learned and explored and found.
So my non-plan was to reject settling down with a job, a car (ok, maybe a car), a house, a man- and just go where I wanted to go, when I wanted to go there. You buy a house, or an expensive car and you are roped into paying for it for the next 5, 10, or 20 years. Which makes you have to have a solid job. And since the economy blows, it forces you into a relationship so you can afford to live comfortably. (Enter children, at any point...) So one day you wake up and you're staring death in the face and you haven't done or seen a fucking thing.
Screw that.
Give me an old VW bus- paid for, of course, and let me loose on the world. I'll hitch up a little tear drop camper on the back and stay where ever I stop. Find a skill and sell it for whatever I need- food, etc. But more than anything, I don't want to feel obligated to stay anywhere any longer than I want to.
Enter my kids.
Ok, a little hitch in the old plan. But why? Cause they need government controlled and propaganda filled textbooks to tell them about life and the world? How better to teach them than in person, through experience and actually seeing the shit- living it. And kids need stability? A myth, created by the man to keep everyone quiet and stablized where they're at.
Enter (republican-as-stable-as-they-come) husband. Ok. I give.
I know I sound a little stoner-y right now, but you can't tell me you haven't even at least considered it.
I have way too much to experience to actually be 30. Jesus, I have so much to do.....
Rendition
If you haven't seen it, watch it. It's an amazing movie that really makes you think about the human side of all this shit going on. You can feel however you want to feel about the war, but one thing is undeniable. Terrorism begets terrorism. And that's the truth. Watch it and see what questions you ask yourself afterward.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Issue 4
As a nurse, and until recently, a single mother, I am in favor for the most part of employees staying home when they are sick, and even having the ability to take care of a sick child, I am wondering if this legislation leaves too many loopholes. As I hear too often, people are always there to complain about those who "take advantage of the system". Well, that is in any case.
However, here, whether or not this is passed, it has opened an opportunity for the businesses to take advantage of their employees. My company, as well as many others in my area, have all decided to take a proactive approach, and lump all our leave into one bank (sick, vacation and PTO). While doing it, they are going to decrease the accrual rate of my vacation. Basically what this has accomplished is this:
Say I accrue 3 days sick time and 10 days vacation time a year, with 2 personal days off. As of October, I now have a bank that accrues a total of 15 days off. (And if this is passed, 7 of those 15 days will HAVE to go towards sick time, leaving me with only 8 to use as vacation.) The other thing it accomplishes, is that my company, by acting proactively, is not held accountable for decreasing my vacation days. Without more tweaking of this bill, I cannot be a supporter. However, I fully understand the fault lies in my employer's hands, which no matter what happens, screwed me out of 4 vacation days per year, from here on out.
Other than that, companies that haven't yet established themselves in Ohio will have one more reason not to. We already rank something like 48 out of 50 in the nation for the creation of new jobs. Those that are established will (and already are) changing their policies to mirror more of the above. While I am not against encouraging healthy employees, I only hope that we can all vote "no" on this issue. At the very least, it needs rewritten.
**Update: Now that the issue is off the ballot (thank me for emailing both representatives and the governor, lol) my employers have changed their minds about their great new plan, and have moved further discussion to 2009. I'm not stupid. Come on.
However, here, whether or not this is passed, it has opened an opportunity for the businesses to take advantage of their employees. My company, as well as many others in my area, have all decided to take a proactive approach, and lump all our leave into one bank (sick, vacation and PTO). While doing it, they are going to decrease the accrual rate of my vacation. Basically what this has accomplished is this:
Say I accrue 3 days sick time and 10 days vacation time a year, with 2 personal days off. As of October, I now have a bank that accrues a total of 15 days off. (And if this is passed, 7 of those 15 days will HAVE to go towards sick time, leaving me with only 8 to use as vacation.) The other thing it accomplishes, is that my company, by acting proactively, is not held accountable for decreasing my vacation days. Without more tweaking of this bill, I cannot be a supporter. However, I fully understand the fault lies in my employer's hands, which no matter what happens, screwed me out of 4 vacation days per year, from here on out.
Other than that, companies that haven't yet established themselves in Ohio will have one more reason not to. We already rank something like 48 out of 50 in the nation for the creation of new jobs. Those that are established will (and already are) changing their policies to mirror more of the above. While I am not against encouraging healthy employees, I only hope that we can all vote "no" on this issue. At the very least, it needs rewritten.
**Update: Now that the issue is off the ballot (thank me for emailing both representatives and the governor, lol) my employers have changed their minds about their great new plan, and have moved further discussion to 2009. I'm not stupid. Come on.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Sandwich Artist...
...my ass.
I have to stop going to Subway. I am so fed up with getting angry over something so seemingly inconsequential. But it does matter. To me. And I really do try not to yell at the Sandwich "Artist" because I know they make diddly squat, and honestly, if I remember back to the minimum wage days, all I wanted to do was force myself through those horrible 6 hours I had to be away from my telephone and tv twice a week. Fuck your Big Mac. But I've always been slightly OCD, so I'm sure that means I was piling up people's burgers so they could enjoy a tasteful combination of all the things they expected on said Big Mac with every single bite.
Such is my problem. This is all I want. Maybe if I didn't actually get to see them put my sandwich together I would be better off. Like any other thing that would be easier if I just did it myself or just didn't watch the person doing it. But if I had it my way, I would narrate my Subway visit.
(Yes I am turning into a crazy person.)
Here would be my conversation points:
1. Have you ever eaten a sub before? (Please see questions 3-8)
2. If yes, do you typically like subs?
3. Could you please cut my sub in half and not shave a 2mm thin sliver off the top so all my veggies fall out and into my wrapper before I get them in my mouth?
4. Yes, by me naming 2 cheeses, that means I want them both, and in turn, that means extra. It also means I like cheese. See 6.
5. No, I normally do not like all of my sub stuffings straight down the crack of my sub. I would go to Taco Bell if I wanted a taco.
6. Could you please put the meat on ALL of the sub instead of just the first 3 inches?
7. I know gas prices have driven olive prices sky high, but, yes, I'll pay extra for more than 1 every 2 inches.
8. Who are these people who come in and order a cup of oil on their subs that make you think it's okay to turn my sub into a soggy turd? I bet they are greasy lipped motherfuckers.
God, I feel my face getting hot just reliving my last visit! But hey- If I'm going to pay a hefty price for these sandwiches, I expect quality. Well. Maybe not quality, but for chrissake, something I'm not gonna just take home and dump in the garbage. So for all of you who were stuck behind me in the lunch rush line at the subway across from Marathon last week, sorry for yhe delay. Maybe you can relate.......
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Green Thumb!
My thumb just turned green.
Last year I did it for fun, this year I'm doing it functionally. Neither will be fruitful, I'm betting, but it's all practice for this inevitable depression. (And if not, at least it will help with grocery bills!)I'm reading Mel Bartholemew's Square Foot Garden. It's basically a method of gardening for people like me with little space, not much time and or patience to tend to. But it's supposed to put out tons of veggies. And we love veggies here.
Supposedly one 4'x4' square will yeild enough food for an entire year for one person. I have 3. Since I'm a kindergartner when it comes to gardening, I severely doubt I will be planting all year long, but I'm going to consider it practice, so that eventually I will be able to do that. I'm planting lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, onions, beets, radishes, celery, carrots, potatoes (hey, I'm Irish. We can live soley on potatoes in an emergent situation.) cucumbers, squash, peas and beans. Supposedly I can fit all that into just 48 square feet. And hopefully I can freeze/can some of this harvest (that may be 1st grade gardening, not sure...) There's just something about the smell of canning tomatoes that brings back some great memories.
But beyond preparing for the worst, it's therapeutic for the soul, it's rewarding, it's fun, it's exercise, it's outdoors, and it's good for a nice tan. Farmer's tan, but tan nonetheless. Plus the kids can get in on it. The only thing bringing me down is that the more I read, the more I learn about what a pain in the ass it is to be good at this. Last year when birds ate the strawberries, I said oh well, que cera, and didn't eat strawberries. This year, I have to find ways to keep birds, bugs and rabbits out and it's becoming much more tedious (and expensive). Not to mention I'm considering starting a compost heap. That's gardeneese for rotten food in a pile.
But just wait, give me a month and I'll have fresh produce growing out my ears. And a hellatious farmers tan.
Last year I did it for fun, this year I'm doing it functionally. Neither will be fruitful, I'm betting, but it's all practice for this inevitable depression. (And if not, at least it will help with grocery bills!)I'm reading Mel Bartholemew's Square Foot Garden. It's basically a method of gardening for people like me with little space, not much time and or patience to tend to. But it's supposed to put out tons of veggies. And we love veggies here.
Supposedly one 4'x4' square will yeild enough food for an entire year for one person. I have 3. Since I'm a kindergartner when it comes to gardening, I severely doubt I will be planting all year long, but I'm going to consider it practice, so that eventually I will be able to do that. I'm planting lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, onions, beets, radishes, celery, carrots, potatoes (hey, I'm Irish. We can live soley on potatoes in an emergent situation.) cucumbers, squash, peas and beans. Supposedly I can fit all that into just 48 square feet. And hopefully I can freeze/can some of this harvest (that may be 1st grade gardening, not sure...) There's just something about the smell of canning tomatoes that brings back some great memories.
But beyond preparing for the worst, it's therapeutic for the soul, it's rewarding, it's fun, it's exercise, it's outdoors, and it's good for a nice tan. Farmer's tan, but tan nonetheless. Plus the kids can get in on it. The only thing bringing me down is that the more I read, the more I learn about what a pain in the ass it is to be good at this. Last year when birds ate the strawberries, I said oh well, que cera, and didn't eat strawberries. This year, I have to find ways to keep birds, bugs and rabbits out and it's becoming much more tedious (and expensive). Not to mention I'm considering starting a compost heap. That's gardeneese for rotten food in a pile.
But just wait, give me a month and I'll have fresh produce growing out my ears. And a hellatious farmers tan.
Green Thumb
My thumb just turned green.
Last year I did it for fun, this year I'm doing it functionally. Neither will be fruitful, I'm betting, but it's all practice for this inevitable depression. (And if not, at least it will help with grocery bills!)
I'm reading Mel Bartholemew's Square Foot Garden. It's basically a method of gardening for people like me with little space, not much time and or patience to tend to. But it's supposed to put out tons of veggies. And we love veggies here.
Supposedly one 4'x4' square will yeild enough food for an entire year for one person. I have 3. Since I'm a kindergartner when it comes to gardening, I severely doubt I will be planting all year long, but I'm going to consider it practice, so that eventually I will be able to do that.
I'm planting lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, onions, beets, radishes, celery, carrots, potatoes (hey, I'm Irish. We can live soley on potatoes in an emergent situation.) cucumbers, squash, peas and beans. Supposedly I can fit all that into just 48 square feet. And hopefully I can freeze/can some of this harvest (that may be 1st grade gardening, not sure...) There's just something about the smell of canning tomatoes that brings back some great memories.
But beyond preparing for the worst, it's therapeutic for the soul, it's rewarding, it's fun, it's exercise, it's outdoors, and it's good for a nice tan. Farmer's tan, but tan nonetheless. Plus the kids can get in on it.
The only thing bringing me down is that the more I read, the more I learn about what a pain in the ass it is to be good at this. Last year when birds ate the strawberries, I said oh well, que cera, and didn't eat strawberries. This year, I have to find ways to keep birds, bugs and rabbits out and it's becoming much more tedious (and expensive).
Not to mention I'm considering starting a compost heap. That's gardeneese for rotten food in a pile.
But just wait, give me a month and I'll have fresh produce growing out my ears. And a hellatious farmers tan.
Last year I did it for fun, this year I'm doing it functionally. Neither will be fruitful, I'm betting, but it's all practice for this inevitable depression. (And if not, at least it will help with grocery bills!)
I'm reading Mel Bartholemew's Square Foot Garden. It's basically a method of gardening for people like me with little space, not much time and or patience to tend to. But it's supposed to put out tons of veggies. And we love veggies here.
Supposedly one 4'x4' square will yeild enough food for an entire year for one person. I have 3. Since I'm a kindergartner when it comes to gardening, I severely doubt I will be planting all year long, but I'm going to consider it practice, so that eventually I will be able to do that.
I'm planting lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, onions, beets, radishes, celery, carrots, potatoes (hey, I'm Irish. We can live soley on potatoes in an emergent situation.) cucumbers, squash, peas and beans. Supposedly I can fit all that into just 48 square feet. And hopefully I can freeze/can some of this harvest (that may be 1st grade gardening, not sure...) There's just something about the smell of canning tomatoes that brings back some great memories.
But beyond preparing for the worst, it's therapeutic for the soul, it's rewarding, it's fun, it's exercise, it's outdoors, and it's good for a nice tan. Farmer's tan, but tan nonetheless. Plus the kids can get in on it.
The only thing bringing me down is that the more I read, the more I learn about what a pain in the ass it is to be good at this. Last year when birds ate the strawberries, I said oh well, que cera, and didn't eat strawberries. This year, I have to find ways to keep birds, bugs and rabbits out and it's becoming much more tedious (and expensive).
Not to mention I'm considering starting a compost heap. That's gardeneese for rotten food in a pile.
But just wait, give me a month and I'll have fresh produce growing out my ears. And a hellatious farmers tan.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Fired up
I read this in the Courier today:
Sigh...................
My response:
PLACE BLAME WHERE BLAME IS DUE
Mr. O'Reilly's letter to the editor (dated April 30th, 2008) needed clairification.
The common denominator here?
On January 20, 2001 George W. Bush was sworn into office.
Since then, Bush's tax cuts have reduced annual tax revenue available for the public needs by $300 billion/yr. His occupation of Iraq/Afghanistan has cost us $700 billion ($400 mill/day), and it goes into the trillions when you consider future costs and what we could've used the money for but didn't.He has deregulated the banks to the point of the collapse of investment funds, banks, and the stock value of corporations that depend on them, as well as a steep decline in home values, and what it costs to live in them.
Let's look at it this way: (Then-2001 / Now-2008)
U.S. National Debt: $5.7 trillion / $9.2 trillion
U.S. Trade Defecit: (/yr) $380 billion / $759 billion
Cost of 1 oz. gold: $319 / $892
U.S. Budget/Surplus: + $236 billion / - $354 billion
Corporate profits: $503.8 billion / $1,351.9 billion
Pharmaceutical co. profits: $30 billion / $80 billion
Number of BILLIONAIRES: 186 / 415
Their combined wealth: $816 billion / $3.5 TRIllion
Bush tax cuts on the richest 1% (2001-2007): $546 billion
Median household income: $49,158 / $48,201
Total manufacturing jobs: 17.3 million / 14.2 million
Americans living in poverty: 31.6 million / 36.5 million
Americans without health insurance: 38.4 million / 46.9 million
Cost of family insurance per year: $6,230 / $12,106
I understand that Congress needs a good enema. No matter who has had control. But the presidency is the worst it has ever been; we are staring a new great depression square in the face, thanks to our dear leader and his cronies.
'Nuff said.
DON'T BLAME BUSH FOR THE ECONOMY
It seems that every time you turn around, the Democrats are blaming George Bush and the Republicans for something else. Gas prices, food prices, wages, you name it and it's Bush's fault. If these liberals would quit ranting and start doing some research, they might find the following acts:
On Dec. 26, 2005, the average price of gasoline in the U.S. was $2.20 a gallon. It is now $3.60 a gallon and rising.
On Dec. 26, 2005, the average price of a loaf of bread in the U.S. was $1.20. It is now $1.70 and rising.
On Dec. 26, 2005, the average home heating bill in the U.S. was $87. It is now $145.00 and rising.
What has changed from the George Bush of 2000-2005 and the George Bush of now? I'll tell you what has changed.
On Jan. 1, 2006, the Democrats took control of Congress.
Enough said.
Cyril O'Reilly
Sigh...................
My response:
PLACE BLAME WHERE BLAME IS DUE
Mr. O'Reilly's letter to the editor (dated April 30th, 2008) needed clairification.
The common denominator here?
On January 20, 2001 George W. Bush was sworn into office.
Since then, Bush's tax cuts have reduced annual tax revenue available for the public needs by $300 billion/yr. His occupation of Iraq/Afghanistan has cost us $700 billion ($400 mill/day), and it goes into the trillions when you consider future costs and what we could've used the money for but didn't.He has deregulated the banks to the point of the collapse of investment funds, banks, and the stock value of corporations that depend on them, as well as a steep decline in home values, and what it costs to live in them.
Let's look at it this way: (Then-2001 / Now-2008)
U.S. National Debt: $5.7 trillion / $9.2 trillion
U.S. Trade Defecit: (/yr) $380 billion / $759 billion
Cost of 1 oz. gold: $319 / $892
U.S. Budget/Surplus: + $236 billion / - $354 billion
Corporate profits: $503.8 billion / $1,351.9 billion
Pharmaceutical co. profits: $30 billion / $80 billion
Number of BILLIONAIRES: 186 / 415
Their combined wealth: $816 billion / $3.5 TRIllion
Bush tax cuts on the richest 1% (2001-2007): $546 billion
Median household income: $49,158 / $48,201
Total manufacturing jobs: 17.3 million / 14.2 million
Americans living in poverty: 31.6 million / 36.5 million
Americans without health insurance: 38.4 million / 46.9 million
Cost of family insurance per year: $6,230 / $12,106
I understand that Congress needs a good enema. No matter who has had control. But the presidency is the worst it has ever been; we are staring a new great depression square in the face, thanks to our dear leader and his cronies.
'Nuff said.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Stupid
So I got home from work last night finally at maybe 8, only to find my brand new Honda Pilot (yes, a SUV- sue me) in my driveway. It being 70 degrees and beautiful, I took it out for a nice drive. And wrecked it by 9:30. But when I say wrecked, I mean I backed it over my dad’s Civic. I had to explain all this to Brandon, and explain why it’s the second time in 2 months I’ve backed into my dad’s car. This proved to be slightly difficult, although it is nice to know that if all else fails, crying still works. Sigh....
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Skybussed
Well, those of you who caught the Skybus shutdown Saturday, you’ll appreciate my situation.
I’m stuck on my honeymoon!
This is good and bad news. It was bad news when I saw the newsflash on the CNN runner Saturday afternoon while attempting a nap in Destin, Fl. It was bad news when we couldn’t find any other alternative than to spend double what the trip originally cost us just to get home. It’s good news because, well, shit, I’m stuck in 80 degree weather for another day. (It’s also good news because I finally have something blogworthy to write about.)
I was in a slump for awhile; the silly "cry or laugh depending on your mood" situations that always seem to happen to me just sort of weaned down to a slow trickle... But just when I thought my ironic luck was over, this happened.
Whilst we were flying out of Columbus Thursday night, Brandon mentioned how suprised he was that Skybus was able to stay afloat with the ridiculously low fares, you know, with jet fuel costs rising, yadda yadda yadda. Then two days later, we find out via CNN that we didn’t have a trip home.
We rented a local car that had to be returned to Biloxi, so we couldn’t just drive home from Destin, and none of the flights that were offering poor stranded Skybussers rides home for cheap flew out of Biloxi or into Columbus where our car is parked.
To throw a little salt into our wounds, the Findlay floods followed us down here to the sunny Gulf Coast, and it rained almost the entire time. The emerald green waters and snow white sands of Destin were greyed out with storm clouds. The deep sea fishing trip that we had planned months ago; even before we knew we were going to get married- cancelled. They had us get up at 5 am, get on the boat, took us out far enough to make me so completely sea sick in the 25mph winds, and then turned us around because there were tornadoes sighted all along the coast! (*I did catch one fish, though. A baitfish, yes, but still one more than Brandon! And the dolphins followed us around, which rocked!)
So we said fuck it. We just started spending all the money we had left. I ate a $50 lunch today (that I left behind at the next truck stop) and we ate a ridiculously expensive Brazilian dinner tonight that was outstandingly delicious. Brandon is currently at the casino downstairs trying to win some of our flight money back, lol, thus me writing this right now. I mean, this is memorable, one way or another. Might as well live it up!
Tomorrow, we fly out of Biloxi, have a 4 hour layover in Houston, and I think we’ll take a taxi and take in some of Houston’s sights. I’ve never been to Texas before. We’ll get back home just in time for me to be back to work Tuesday! Yippee! Back to real life. Maybe my lucky streak is over and I’ll have more to talk about now!
Well, I’m gonna head down to the casino to see how my hubby is doing. I will see YOU later.
I’m stuck on my honeymoon!
This is good and bad news. It was bad news when I saw the newsflash on the CNN runner Saturday afternoon while attempting a nap in Destin, Fl. It was bad news when we couldn’t find any other alternative than to spend double what the trip originally cost us just to get home. It’s good news because, well, shit, I’m stuck in 80 degree weather for another day. (It’s also good news because I finally have something blogworthy to write about.)
I was in a slump for awhile; the silly "cry or laugh depending on your mood" situations that always seem to happen to me just sort of weaned down to a slow trickle... But just when I thought my ironic luck was over, this happened.
Whilst we were flying out of Columbus Thursday night, Brandon mentioned how suprised he was that Skybus was able to stay afloat with the ridiculously low fares, you know, with jet fuel costs rising, yadda yadda yadda. Then two days later, we find out via CNN that we didn’t have a trip home.
We rented a local car that had to be returned to Biloxi, so we couldn’t just drive home from Destin, and none of the flights that were offering poor stranded Skybussers rides home for cheap flew out of Biloxi or into Columbus where our car is parked.
To throw a little salt into our wounds, the Findlay floods followed us down here to the sunny Gulf Coast, and it rained almost the entire time. The emerald green waters and snow white sands of Destin were greyed out with storm clouds. The deep sea fishing trip that we had planned months ago; even before we knew we were going to get married- cancelled. They had us get up at 5 am, get on the boat, took us out far enough to make me so completely sea sick in the 25mph winds, and then turned us around because there were tornadoes sighted all along the coast! (*I did catch one fish, though. A baitfish, yes, but still one more than Brandon! And the dolphins followed us around, which rocked!)
So we said fuck it. We just started spending all the money we had left. I ate a $50 lunch today (that I left behind at the next truck stop) and we ate a ridiculously expensive Brazilian dinner tonight that was outstandingly delicious. Brandon is currently at the casino downstairs trying to win some of our flight money back, lol, thus me writing this right now. I mean, this is memorable, one way or another. Might as well live it up!
Tomorrow, we fly out of Biloxi, have a 4 hour layover in Houston, and I think we’ll take a taxi and take in some of Houston’s sights. I’ve never been to Texas before. We’ll get back home just in time for me to be back to work Tuesday! Yippee! Back to real life. Maybe my lucky streak is over and I’ll have more to talk about now!
Well, I’m gonna head down to the casino to see how my hubby is doing. I will see YOU later.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Uncomfortable
You know what is potentially depressing? Taking pride in your uniqueness and striving to be your own offbeat individual and then realizing that in doing that, you have become the same as everyone else. I think it must be a rite of passage into your thirties in realizing this. Maybe for my birthday I'll go "normal" and be unique again. Blah.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
