So the tracks have shifted back north, with Matagorda Bay in the bulls-eye once again. While we are prepared to face the storm if we need to, we'd prefer not to -- for a couple of reasons. For one, Kaitlyn's birthday party is supposed to be this Saturday. If we don't have electricity, that ice cream cake is going to melt!
On a much more serious note, Justin DeCarlo, the infant son of our longtime friends Randy and Danielle, had heart surgery yesterday. He's in the ICU at Texas Children's Hospital here in Houston. The "worst case scenario" storm that the meterologists are wary about could really affect the situation with Justin and the other kids at TCH.
Shelly (Lewis) Bolton is WAY pregnant right now -- due any second. Carol came down about a week ago and ended up in the hospital at Methodist over the weekend with heart issues. They've been doing tests, and at one point thought they would put a pacemaker in. With everything going on in their lives, the Lewis family could use some good news. With the barometric pressure dropping if the hurricane comes in here, Shelly could be naming that baby Ike. Ike Bolton. Hmmm....
It's wait and see for us. We're trying to just keep an eye on things and see how it goes. If you're interested in a couple of really good hurricane sites, you might check out:
Jeff Masters
Eric Berger
Brendan Loy
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Yikes, Ike!!
What a difference 12 hours makes! Now Ike making a run for the Rio Grande. For us, the absolute best scenario -- no one has to make a run to Sargent to get the boat, Kait's birthday can go as planned, Biggs can get a lot done this weekend.
But for the people who live in South Texas -- who live in all the colonias down there -- this is not good news. The best landfall? The King Ranch -- not much other than cows.
As for us, we're still prepared! We've got groceries for this week and next -- and Biggs has enough Chunky soup to last a lifetime!
But for the people who live in South Texas -- who live in all the colonias down there -- this is not good news. The best landfall? The King Ranch -- not much other than cows.
As for us, we're still prepared! We've got groceries for this week and next -- and Biggs has enough Chunky soup to last a lifetime!
Monday, September 8, 2008
We Don't Like Ike
I have to say, one of the things about living in Houston that has been different is all this hurricane-preparedness. At this point, with Ike potentially having us in our sights, I should probably let you all know that we're pretty well prepared. But it's been a process.
Last summer, I had no idea what to expect. I bought four rechargeable Coleman lanterns at Academy -- that was the extent of my getting prepared. All four spent the last year in their boxes on the floor of my closet.
That brings us to this summer when Eduardo came knocking on the door -- in the middle of our vacation. We packed up, came home early from the Creek. If you remember, the Creek got almost no rain -- we got tons here. We should have stayed! The bonus? Step 2 of my hurricane prep occurred during the run-up to Eduardo. Suzi Bruin went and bought us water. We'd have nothing to eat, no gas for the grill -- but we wouldn't get thirsty! Oh! And I finally got the lanterns out of the boxes and charged!
Gustav brought another layer of prep. Before it roared ashore in La, it looked like it was headed for us. I went to the grocery store and purchased a few supplies (we ate them this last week.) BUT we did manage to fill up both butane tanks for the grill. And we had a great hurricane party on Labor Day!
Which brings me to Ike. This one has me nervous. He's huge. I've followed all the weather news and blogs. As of this afternoon, it looked to be coming in at Galveston. I headed to Wal-Mart. Tired of all those other paranoid moms beating me to the water bottles, I stocked up. More water, granola bars, canned chicken & tuna, Pop-Tarts, green beans, corn, Bush's beans, canned fruit, batteries and SEVERAL cans of Chunky Soup for Biggsy. It's all home in the cabinet above the fridge -- just waiting. As of tonight, it looks like Ike is going in at Matagorda bay -- right on top of the Fishin' Hut. We'll watch it for a couple of days before panicking. But if it did hit right there, we'd have the Creek house in the middle of things. And here in Houston, we'd be on the "dirty side."
Really, panicking isn't the right word. We're prepared, right? It's taken us a year and four or five storms to get it right, but we've got everything we need. We wouldn't want to "evacuate" -- remember the mess with Rita?? But I can assure you, if we're going to be out of electricity for 2-3 weeks, I'm headed somewhere. And it'll be in the opposite direction of Ike!! So if you live North or West of here, you'd better watch out! You might have company headed your way!
Last summer, I had no idea what to expect. I bought four rechargeable Coleman lanterns at Academy -- that was the extent of my getting prepared. All four spent the last year in their boxes on the floor of my closet.
That brings us to this summer when Eduardo came knocking on the door -- in the middle of our vacation. We packed up, came home early from the Creek. If you remember, the Creek got almost no rain -- we got tons here. We should have stayed! The bonus? Step 2 of my hurricane prep occurred during the run-up to Eduardo. Suzi Bruin went and bought us water. We'd have nothing to eat, no gas for the grill -- but we wouldn't get thirsty! Oh! And I finally got the lanterns out of the boxes and charged!
Gustav brought another layer of prep. Before it roared ashore in La, it looked like it was headed for us. I went to the grocery store and purchased a few supplies (we ate them this last week.) BUT we did manage to fill up both butane tanks for the grill. And we had a great hurricane party on Labor Day!
Which brings me to Ike. This one has me nervous. He's huge. I've followed all the weather news and blogs. As of this afternoon, it looked to be coming in at Galveston. I headed to Wal-Mart. Tired of all those other paranoid moms beating me to the water bottles, I stocked up. More water, granola bars, canned chicken & tuna, Pop-Tarts, green beans, corn, Bush's beans, canned fruit, batteries and SEVERAL cans of Chunky Soup for Biggsy. It's all home in the cabinet above the fridge -- just waiting. As of tonight, it looks like Ike is going in at Matagorda bay -- right on top of the Fishin' Hut. We'll watch it for a couple of days before panicking. But if it did hit right there, we'd have the Creek house in the middle of things. And here in Houston, we'd be on the "dirty side."
Really, panicking isn't the right word. We're prepared, right? It's taken us a year and four or five storms to get it right, but we've got everything we need. We wouldn't want to "evacuate" -- remember the mess with Rita?? But I can assure you, if we're going to be out of electricity for 2-3 weeks, I'm headed somewhere. And it'll be in the opposite direction of Ike!! So if you live North or West of here, you'd better watch out! You might have company headed your way!
Joe's Commercial
I just got this from my dear friend Michelle....
"This commercial was done by a local kid. You have to watch the whole thing. When he finishes talking and walks away, you get a sense of how this could be the commercial of the campaign season.
Hi, My son Joe just did a commercial for John McCain.
Please pass this on.ThanksBob Cook
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8
"This commercial was done by a local kid. You have to watch the whole thing. When he finishes talking and walks away, you get a sense of how this could be the commercial of the campaign season.
Hi, My son Joe just did a commercial for John McCain.
Please pass this on.ThanksBob Cook
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8
Saturday, September 6, 2008
A Note from Alaska
I just got this from "Aunt Darlene." It's one of those email things, so you can take it for what it's worth. I do tend to believe it's true, as it seems to track with what I've heard / read.
- d.
*Subject:* Sarah Palin
From an old Air America buddy in Alaska - actually sent to someone else but Cc'ed to me.
And from a Alaska man who is a very serious cynic about all things political here is my take on Sara.
I met and spoke with Sara Palin about two years ago at our downtown Park Strip. It is a place for walking, carnivals, political outdoor things and such. She was cooking hotdogs at a fund raiser and introducing herself to the public as a Governor hopeful.
She came by and said the usual "Hi, I'm Sara Palin and I am running for Governor"...and I expected her to keep on to the next person but she asked me who I was and what I did in Alaska and we ended up talking for 15 minutes about me, Air America (she was all agog!) and my career in the Army and AAM. She is a pilot (Super Cub) I'm told although all she told me about that was that she loved flying.
As I watched her over the next six months as she successfully ran for Governor I was really impressed. I was impressed greatly even before that after she resigned a good position (Alaska Gas and Oil Regulatory Commission) because a fellow Commission member (Chair of the Alaska Republican Party) misused their office and position. He was using the FAX, computers, printing room and all to promote the Republican endeavors while in a State job. That is a huge no-no in any government employment position.
She resigned and made her point and within weeks Randy Ruderich (the above bad guy) found his ass out on the street and a subsequent investigation found him guilty and he was fined $12,000. Small change actually but a giant point was made.
Next she went after our most horrible Governor ever, Governor Murkowski, and damned if she didn't beat him! All of us here in Alaska , except the Democrats, are sick of our State's corruption. That fact was shouted to the heavens after she was elected with an overwhelming point spread.
After she got into office she started after corrupt legislators and with the FBI's help we've put four of them in prison, indicted six more and the "Corrupt Bastard's Club" as they arrogantly called themselves (even had hats made with CBC on the front!) suddenly found it no fun anymore. Club membership is now in the toilet!!
The current flap which has cost her a ten point loss of popularity (she's still 82%!) was over firing a popular Commissioner of Public Safety who is responsible for our Alaska State Troopers. She fired him for no STATED reason which was her prerogative as the Gov. He served entirely at her option. She and her whole family had a bad, bad experience with a rogue Trooper who was married to Sara's sister. His name is Trooper Wooten. This dimwit Trooper had threatened Sara's father (death threat!), threatened Sara ("I'll get you too"), tasered his 12 year old stepson, drove drunk in his AST cruiser, got a pass by a fellow Trooper who stopped him for erratic driving a second time while in civvies and just a host of other things not yet released to the public. He got away with it and got another pass by the Commissioner's appointed AST Trooper Internal Affirs investigator with a tiny slap on the wrist. Five days off without pay to be exact!!
This maverick Trooper is still on the payroll but only just. The Union intervening saved his malcontent ass. He'll yet get his I'm sure. Incredible heat is being heaped on the Troopers. Public heat, not the Governors office.
The Democrats had the audacity to appoint a obviously biased investigator, Rep. "Gunny" French (so called because he lied about being in the USMC while running for the Legislature) is a staunch liberal and under the orders of Senate President Lyda Green who hates Sara. She hates Sara because after being elected Governor Sara told the whole Legislature in one of her first meetings with them that, quote; "All of you here need some Adult Supervision!!!". Sara was seriously pissed and not afraid of anyone there.That played wonderfully well with Alaskan's after all of our corruption and after all of her successful battles against a seriously entrenched corrupt government here in Alaska . It pissed off the whole Legislature though! They have stayed pissed but also afraid of her because of her popularity.
She reminds me personally of our Alaska wolverine which will fight anything in it's path if it see's fit to do so. No respect at all for size or position. Wife Cindy is in this category too. Unfortunately.
In closing I must tell you that she is the best, most moral and most focused leader I've seen since President Reagan. I feel, really strongly, that like Alaska the rest of our country will love her within a few weeks. Put simply, she represents middle America like NO leader we've ever had. I think McCain made a totally brilliant move in choosing her. She's a maverick who is probably tougher and more focused than McCain himself....and she won't be a total "Yes Man" or more appropriately, woman. McCain will love her.
In 2012 she will be President.
My best to all of you in the hurricane belt. I hope you are all OK. We just had another mini Air America reunion here in beautiful Soldotna, Alaska along the Kenai river. We'll be doing this every year now I guess. Like our Flying Tiger pal's before us there are not that many Air America guys left. I'm 71 myself this September 16. Where the hell did the years go so fast?
My best
Semper Fi,
**George W. Murray**
- d.
*Subject:* Sarah Palin
From an old Air America buddy in Alaska - actually sent to someone else but Cc'ed to me.
And from a Alaska man who is a very serious cynic about all things political here is my take on Sara.
I met and spoke with Sara Palin about two years ago at our downtown Park Strip. It is a place for walking, carnivals, political outdoor things and such. She was cooking hotdogs at a fund raiser and introducing herself to the public as a Governor hopeful.
She came by and said the usual "Hi, I'm Sara Palin and I am running for Governor"...and I expected her to keep on to the next person but she asked me who I was and what I did in Alaska and we ended up talking for 15 minutes about me, Air America (she was all agog!) and my career in the Army and AAM. She is a pilot (Super Cub) I'm told although all she told me about that was that she loved flying.
As I watched her over the next six months as she successfully ran for Governor I was really impressed. I was impressed greatly even before that after she resigned a good position (Alaska Gas and Oil Regulatory Commission) because a fellow Commission member (Chair of the Alaska Republican Party) misused their office and position. He was using the FAX, computers, printing room and all to promote the Republican endeavors while in a State job. That is a huge no-no in any government employment position.
She resigned and made her point and within weeks Randy Ruderich (the above bad guy) found his ass out on the street and a subsequent investigation found him guilty and he was fined $12,000. Small change actually but a giant point was made.
Next she went after our most horrible Governor ever, Governor Murkowski, and damned if she didn't beat him! All of us here in Alaska , except the Democrats, are sick of our State's corruption. That fact was shouted to the heavens after she was elected with an overwhelming point spread.
After she got into office she started after corrupt legislators and with the FBI's help we've put four of them in prison, indicted six more and the "Corrupt Bastard's Club" as they arrogantly called themselves (even had hats made with CBC on the front!) suddenly found it no fun anymore. Club membership is now in the toilet!!
The current flap which has cost her a ten point loss of popularity (she's still 82%!) was over firing a popular Commissioner of Public Safety who is responsible for our Alaska State Troopers. She fired him for no STATED reason which was her prerogative as the Gov. He served entirely at her option. She and her whole family had a bad, bad experience with a rogue Trooper who was married to Sara's sister. His name is Trooper Wooten. This dimwit Trooper had threatened Sara's father (death threat!), threatened Sara ("I'll get you too"), tasered his 12 year old stepson, drove drunk in his AST cruiser, got a pass by a fellow Trooper who stopped him for erratic driving a second time while in civvies and just a host of other things not yet released to the public. He got away with it and got another pass by the Commissioner's appointed AST Trooper Internal Affirs investigator with a tiny slap on the wrist. Five days off without pay to be exact!!
This maverick Trooper is still on the payroll but only just. The Union intervening saved his malcontent ass. He'll yet get his I'm sure. Incredible heat is being heaped on the Troopers. Public heat, not the Governors office.
The Democrats had the audacity to appoint a obviously biased investigator, Rep. "Gunny" French (so called because he lied about being in the USMC while running for the Legislature) is a staunch liberal and under the orders of Senate President Lyda Green who hates Sara. She hates Sara because after being elected Governor Sara told the whole Legislature in one of her first meetings with them that, quote; "All of you here need some Adult Supervision!!!". Sara was seriously pissed and not afraid of anyone there.That played wonderfully well with Alaskan's after all of our corruption and after all of her successful battles against a seriously entrenched corrupt government here in Alaska . It pissed off the whole Legislature though! They have stayed pissed but also afraid of her because of her popularity.
She reminds me personally of our Alaska wolverine which will fight anything in it's path if it see's fit to do so. No respect at all for size or position. Wife Cindy is in this category too. Unfortunately.
In closing I must tell you that she is the best, most moral and most focused leader I've seen since President Reagan. I feel, really strongly, that like Alaska the rest of our country will love her within a few weeks. Put simply, she represents middle America like NO leader we've ever had. I think McCain made a totally brilliant move in choosing her. She's a maverick who is probably tougher and more focused than McCain himself....and she won't be a total "Yes Man" or more appropriately, woman. McCain will love her.
In 2012 she will be President.
My best to all of you in the hurricane belt. I hope you are all OK. We just had another mini Air America reunion here in beautiful Soldotna, Alaska along the Kenai river. We'll be doing this every year now I guess. Like our Flying Tiger pal's before us there are not that many Air America guys left. I'm 71 myself this September 16. Where the hell did the years go so fast?
My best
Semper Fi,
**George W. Murray**
Thursday, September 4, 2008
What Does it Mean....
When someone takes you off their "My Daily Reads" list?
Is that considered a snub in the ol' Blogosphere??
Wow. This is kinda bizarre.... While it shouldn't at all, it kind of feels like when your first-grader comes home one day to tell you so-and-so has decided to be her best friend. And the next day she comes home to tell you that so-and-so no longer wants to be her friend.
I just wrote a short novel on my friend K-K's blog. She apparently offended someone with a post about her lack of interest in the election. I told her not to apologize. When you blog, it's kind of like letting people read your diary. You're putting yourself out there -- good and bad. If people don't like it, they don't have to read. And I really tried to encourage her.
And then I realized I'm no longer listed as one of the "daily reads" for one of my daily reads.
Since my blog has focused on two main things lately, I guess it could be either one.
1. I HAVE been a bit over-the-top on the 3-Day. And since I've been hyperactively blogging lately (a product of not being able to train), maybe that's it. Here's an update. Our team has raised over $63,000. We're within sight of doubling what we raised last year. But we still don't have a cure.
I'm not going to apologize for hammering away at breast cancer via my blog. ALL the time, I hear about young women my age or younger who are being diagnosed. Or I hear about their Moms who are being diagnosed.
And you know what? We're coming into the season that I've begun to realize will always be the most difficult for me. The season when any shopping trip inundates me with the sounds and sights and smells of Christmas. I was in Garden Ridge this week, and Santa has arrived. And as I take the steps that lead to this second Christmas without my Mom, I realize that it's going to slam me once again.
So no, I won't apologize for going on and on about the 3-Day. Because one thing that has helped me get through the last 14 months has been the fact that I am taking ACTION to stop this monster we call breast cancer. I'm working my butt off to make sure we raise enough money for everyone on our team to walk in the 3-Day. We have about 60 team members. When we all walk in November, and everyone on our team gets to experience the healing, the pride, the energy, the spirit of the 3-Day, then everyone on our team will share that with their friends and loved ones and this grassroots effort will grow into something even greater -- and rather than just taking steps toward a cure, we'll get there by leaps and bounds.
2. So the other topic I've been quite enamoured with lately has been this election we're in. AND boy, have I been enamoured with it. I've had CNN on all day today as I painted the upstairs. (I know! More painting!)
Ours is an interesting household. I won't say that Biggs is "for" Obama, but I can tell you he sees what much of America sees -- Obama is a likable guy. A great speaker. A charmer.
Abbie has made it clear that she'd vote for McCain if given the chance. Why? "McCain has more experience," she says. "That other guy only has a couple of years of experience. But McCain has a LOT of experience." When we asked her where she learned that, she said Mrs. Smith said so. Mrs. Smith is her switch teacher. Yea Mrs. Smith!!
Kaitlyn would vote for anyone who promised her ice cream on Fridays.
And then there's me.
This spring I got myself in some really hot water because I couldn't keep my mouth shut. It's a problem I've had before. Those emails were going around about Obama being a Muslim, and it kind of hacked me off. I was kind of spoiling for a fight, I guess. I thought if there was going to be a playing field, it should at least be one built on the truth. And while Obama's Christian beliefs and mine aren't exactly mirror images, I don't think it's fair to be telling everyone he's a Muslim.
So I got into some hot water over that -- a discussion that eventually questioned my own Christian beliefs and the way I was raising my family and all sorts of stuff. I was accused of being a Democrat (egads!), and it was implied that I wasn't a "real" Christian. As Biggs said, if I couldn't take the heat I should have stayed out of the kitchen. And I guess he was right.
The fact of the matter is, until last Friday I really couldn't get excited about anything in this election. I'm pretty sure the media is run by the devil. They foster lies and half-truths and try to make the pure as ugly as possible. They glorify sin and evil and corrupt natures. If you don't agree with me on that, pick up a copy of Us Magazine. And look, really look at what's in there. Think about the way you were raised and the things that you were brought up from an early age to believe were right and good.
Maybe your formative years were different than mine. But the stories portrayed in much of the mainstream media, the glorifying of Jamie Lynn and Britney Spears, the shots of women's panties or lack thereof -- that's not how we were raised. But that's what the media would have you believe the world behaves. And who does the media want to be President? Barack Obama. You'd have to be blind, deaf and living in a cave to not realize that.
That world that they promote isn't the world I want for my children. I won't stand for it. I won't have my children think that it's "cool" to follow the likes of Lindsay Lohan. I don't want them to grow up thinking that abortions are just something you "do" because it's easier than not.
So yes. I support McCain. Not so much because I think McCain is "one cool dude," but because Obama sure isn't. The America he wants to offer my children isn't the one I'm looking for. Do you really think he can do all that he's promising to do without taxing us more?? Think about it. All the plans and programs and feel-good things he's peddling are just like drugs -- quick high, then reality hits. Let's look at that.
Healthcare for everyone -- If the government can't run the post office, moving PAPER around, what makes you think they can manage your healthcare??? I mailed a package to Austin two weeks ago. It took TEN days to get there!! People, I could have WALKED it there sooner! A vote for Obama is a vote for the shambles of government-controlled healthcare. I refuse to put my children's future health at stake. There are two children in our school right now who are in remission from leukemia. The very fact that they are ALIVE right now is proof positive that we need direct access to impeccable healthcare. Take a look at the Socialist governments in our world and at the healthcare available to their people. I assure you there's a reason why people from all over the world fly here to go to MD Anderson.
Pulling out of Iraq -- We're WINNING! Why would we pull out now?? My cousins Gary, Robert and Jordan have been over there fighting so YOU would have the freedom to vote for whoever you want. In fact, Gary and Robert have both been to Iraq multiple times. They keep asking to go BACK -- not come home. They take pride in the job they're doing over there and know we need them to keep doing it.
Terrorism -- McCain makes me feel safe. Obama doesn't. I think Obama is too easily swayed. Look at how he handle the situation in Georgia. To some, that's a "minor" situation -- it's not over here. But if he can't figure out how to address a situation miles and miles away, what makes you think he's going to be able to address it in our own backyard?
The Economy -- I've posted about this before -- Maybe that's the reason I'm off "The List." I've laughed all week as the MEDIA and Obama complained that the Republicans haven't addressed the Economy. I see that as being one of two things. Either they were too dumb to figure out that the Republicans have addressed it continually, or they hoped you were too dumb to figure it out. EVERY time someone mentioned smaller government, lower taxes, energy -- any of those buzz words alone stand for improving the economy. ALL of them together mean HUGE improvement.
And then there's the addition of Sarah Palin. I like her. She's not afraid to call things as she sees them. And you know what?? Last night she AMAZED me. She had been hammered all week. LIES were told about her and her family. Her daughter was attacked in the media. Everything was ramped up -- and she got out there, knocked it out of the park, and showed that she's got strength beyond measure.
It's been asked a lot this week if she has the "experience" needed for this office. If she can handle what will come her way.
I'll tell you something, if she can handle that crap that the media has dished out for the last week, she can handle anything the rest of the world wants to throw at her. There can't be much worse in life than having your family attacked by the gossip mags and having your teenage daughter's pregnancy discussed at length by every commentator out there. Yesterday, they were accusing Palin of using her daughter and future son-in-law's presence to keep the conversation going. Excuse me? The MEDIA were the ones that were keeping the conversation going -- not Palin.
So yes, this thing around my blog have been a bit political lately, and I'm sure there's probably more to come. If that's the reason why I'm off "The List," then so be it. But this is my journal -- even if it's out there for all the world to see. And I have hope.
My "hope" isn't the same as Obama's. My hope is a prayer -- a prayer that people will come to their senses soon. That they'll see that as far back as Adam and Eve, Satan has tried to blind us with the shiny and seemingly perfect.
Now, don't go telling everyone that I said Obama is Satan. It's just that somewhere along the way, Satan has been able to convince people that the Bible they grew up with in Sunday School was "just a book." That sex outside marriage is fine as long as you "love" someone -- or even if you don't. (Newsflash: I'm not the only person I know who was a virgin when she got married. Believe or not, they do exist!) Living together before you get married is a great way to get to know each other. (Did you know when couples live together before they get married, 80% of those marriages end in divorce??) Abortion is okay if you don't have the time, resources, patience or space for a child in your life. Oh, and if you're a man who prefers men, go right ahead and do whatever it is homosexuals do -- never mind that it specifically states in the Bible that that's a sin. Remember, it's "just a book."
HELLO??????!!!!!!! Do we really think we can promote these ideas without passing them along to our children? Do you really want your 14-year-old daughter to lose her virginity in the gameroom at her boyfriend's house? Do you really want to have to hold her after she's had an abortion and try to help her get through that grief? The grief and pain and guilt of an abortion never go away. And for the rest of her life, she'll be hammered by that decision every four years when election season rolls around and abortion becomes the "hot topic," and it's all anyone at church or in the media or politics can talk about. Do you really want to have your son come home from college to tell you he's gay and is marrying his Poly-Sci professor??
Well, folks, if we promote these ideas and this "Shiny new world," those are the scenarios we're setting ourselves up for. If you vote for someone who's for abortion and same-sex marriage, you are voting for those to be possibilities for your children and grandchildren -- not just someone else's.
The way I see it, terrorism, socialistic healthcare, teenage abortions, gay marriage, turning away from the Bible this country was built on and all the rest are kind of like rabies and rattlesnakes. There are so many dangers in this world that we can't do anything about (like rattlesnakes). We've got to do something to stop the dangers that we can. For me, a vote for McCain / Palin is the vaccine we need.
And that is all I have to say about that.
Is that considered a snub in the ol' Blogosphere??
Wow. This is kinda bizarre.... While it shouldn't at all, it kind of feels like when your first-grader comes home one day to tell you so-and-so has decided to be her best friend. And the next day she comes home to tell you that so-and-so no longer wants to be her friend.
I just wrote a short novel on my friend K-K's blog. She apparently offended someone with a post about her lack of interest in the election. I told her not to apologize. When you blog, it's kind of like letting people read your diary. You're putting yourself out there -- good and bad. If people don't like it, they don't have to read. And I really tried to encourage her.
And then I realized I'm no longer listed as one of the "daily reads" for one of my daily reads.
Since my blog has focused on two main things lately, I guess it could be either one.
1. I HAVE been a bit over-the-top on the 3-Day. And since I've been hyperactively blogging lately (a product of not being able to train), maybe that's it. Here's an update. Our team has raised over $63,000. We're within sight of doubling what we raised last year. But we still don't have a cure.
I'm not going to apologize for hammering away at breast cancer via my blog. ALL the time, I hear about young women my age or younger who are being diagnosed. Or I hear about their Moms who are being diagnosed.
And you know what? We're coming into the season that I've begun to realize will always be the most difficult for me. The season when any shopping trip inundates me with the sounds and sights and smells of Christmas. I was in Garden Ridge this week, and Santa has arrived. And as I take the steps that lead to this second Christmas without my Mom, I realize that it's going to slam me once again.
So no, I won't apologize for going on and on about the 3-Day. Because one thing that has helped me get through the last 14 months has been the fact that I am taking ACTION to stop this monster we call breast cancer. I'm working my butt off to make sure we raise enough money for everyone on our team to walk in the 3-Day. We have about 60 team members. When we all walk in November, and everyone on our team gets to experience the healing, the pride, the energy, the spirit of the 3-Day, then everyone on our team will share that with their friends and loved ones and this grassroots effort will grow into something even greater -- and rather than just taking steps toward a cure, we'll get there by leaps and bounds.
2. So the other topic I've been quite enamoured with lately has been this election we're in. AND boy, have I been enamoured with it. I've had CNN on all day today as I painted the upstairs. (I know! More painting!)
Ours is an interesting household. I won't say that Biggs is "for" Obama, but I can tell you he sees what much of America sees -- Obama is a likable guy. A great speaker. A charmer.
Abbie has made it clear that she'd vote for McCain if given the chance. Why? "McCain has more experience," she says. "That other guy only has a couple of years of experience. But McCain has a LOT of experience." When we asked her where she learned that, she said Mrs. Smith said so. Mrs. Smith is her switch teacher. Yea Mrs. Smith!!
Kaitlyn would vote for anyone who promised her ice cream on Fridays.
And then there's me.
This spring I got myself in some really hot water because I couldn't keep my mouth shut. It's a problem I've had before. Those emails were going around about Obama being a Muslim, and it kind of hacked me off. I was kind of spoiling for a fight, I guess. I thought if there was going to be a playing field, it should at least be one built on the truth. And while Obama's Christian beliefs and mine aren't exactly mirror images, I don't think it's fair to be telling everyone he's a Muslim.
So I got into some hot water over that -- a discussion that eventually questioned my own Christian beliefs and the way I was raising my family and all sorts of stuff. I was accused of being a Democrat (egads!), and it was implied that I wasn't a "real" Christian. As Biggs said, if I couldn't take the heat I should have stayed out of the kitchen. And I guess he was right.
The fact of the matter is, until last Friday I really couldn't get excited about anything in this election. I'm pretty sure the media is run by the devil. They foster lies and half-truths and try to make the pure as ugly as possible. They glorify sin and evil and corrupt natures. If you don't agree with me on that, pick up a copy of Us Magazine. And look, really look at what's in there. Think about the way you were raised and the things that you were brought up from an early age to believe were right and good.
Maybe your formative years were different than mine. But the stories portrayed in much of the mainstream media, the glorifying of Jamie Lynn and Britney Spears, the shots of women's panties or lack thereof -- that's not how we were raised. But that's what the media would have you believe the world behaves. And who does the media want to be President? Barack Obama. You'd have to be blind, deaf and living in a cave to not realize that.
That world that they promote isn't the world I want for my children. I won't stand for it. I won't have my children think that it's "cool" to follow the likes of Lindsay Lohan. I don't want them to grow up thinking that abortions are just something you "do" because it's easier than not.
So yes. I support McCain. Not so much because I think McCain is "one cool dude," but because Obama sure isn't. The America he wants to offer my children isn't the one I'm looking for. Do you really think he can do all that he's promising to do without taxing us more?? Think about it. All the plans and programs and feel-good things he's peddling are just like drugs -- quick high, then reality hits. Let's look at that.
Healthcare for everyone -- If the government can't run the post office, moving PAPER around, what makes you think they can manage your healthcare??? I mailed a package to Austin two weeks ago. It took TEN days to get there!! People, I could have WALKED it there sooner! A vote for Obama is a vote for the shambles of government-controlled healthcare. I refuse to put my children's future health at stake. There are two children in our school right now who are in remission from leukemia. The very fact that they are ALIVE right now is proof positive that we need direct access to impeccable healthcare. Take a look at the Socialist governments in our world and at the healthcare available to their people. I assure you there's a reason why people from all over the world fly here to go to MD Anderson.
Pulling out of Iraq -- We're WINNING! Why would we pull out now?? My cousins Gary, Robert and Jordan have been over there fighting so YOU would have the freedom to vote for whoever you want. In fact, Gary and Robert have both been to Iraq multiple times. They keep asking to go BACK -- not come home. They take pride in the job they're doing over there and know we need them to keep doing it.
Terrorism -- McCain makes me feel safe. Obama doesn't. I think Obama is too easily swayed. Look at how he handle the situation in Georgia. To some, that's a "minor" situation -- it's not over here. But if he can't figure out how to address a situation miles and miles away, what makes you think he's going to be able to address it in our own backyard?
The Economy -- I've posted about this before -- Maybe that's the reason I'm off "The List." I've laughed all week as the MEDIA and Obama complained that the Republicans haven't addressed the Economy. I see that as being one of two things. Either they were too dumb to figure out that the Republicans have addressed it continually, or they hoped you were too dumb to figure it out. EVERY time someone mentioned smaller government, lower taxes, energy -- any of those buzz words alone stand for improving the economy. ALL of them together mean HUGE improvement.
And then there's the addition of Sarah Palin. I like her. She's not afraid to call things as she sees them. And you know what?? Last night she AMAZED me. She had been hammered all week. LIES were told about her and her family. Her daughter was attacked in the media. Everything was ramped up -- and she got out there, knocked it out of the park, and showed that she's got strength beyond measure.
It's been asked a lot this week if she has the "experience" needed for this office. If she can handle what will come her way.
I'll tell you something, if she can handle that crap that the media has dished out for the last week, she can handle anything the rest of the world wants to throw at her. There can't be much worse in life than having your family attacked by the gossip mags and having your teenage daughter's pregnancy discussed at length by every commentator out there. Yesterday, they were accusing Palin of using her daughter and future son-in-law's presence to keep the conversation going. Excuse me? The MEDIA were the ones that were keeping the conversation going -- not Palin.
So yes, this thing around my blog have been a bit political lately, and I'm sure there's probably more to come. If that's the reason why I'm off "The List," then so be it. But this is my journal -- even if it's out there for all the world to see. And I have hope.
My "hope" isn't the same as Obama's. My hope is a prayer -- a prayer that people will come to their senses soon. That they'll see that as far back as Adam and Eve, Satan has tried to blind us with the shiny and seemingly perfect.
Now, don't go telling everyone that I said Obama is Satan. It's just that somewhere along the way, Satan has been able to convince people that the Bible they grew up with in Sunday School was "just a book." That sex outside marriage is fine as long as you "love" someone -- or even if you don't. (Newsflash: I'm not the only person I know who was a virgin when she got married. Believe or not, they do exist!) Living together before you get married is a great way to get to know each other. (Did you know when couples live together before they get married, 80% of those marriages end in divorce??) Abortion is okay if you don't have the time, resources, patience or space for a child in your life. Oh, and if you're a man who prefers men, go right ahead and do whatever it is homosexuals do -- never mind that it specifically states in the Bible that that's a sin. Remember, it's "just a book."
HELLO??????!!!!!!! Do we really think we can promote these ideas without passing them along to our children? Do you really want your 14-year-old daughter to lose her virginity in the gameroom at her boyfriend's house? Do you really want to have to hold her after she's had an abortion and try to help her get through that grief? The grief and pain and guilt of an abortion never go away. And for the rest of her life, she'll be hammered by that decision every four years when election season rolls around and abortion becomes the "hot topic," and it's all anyone at church or in the media or politics can talk about. Do you really want to have your son come home from college to tell you he's gay and is marrying his Poly-Sci professor??
Well, folks, if we promote these ideas and this "Shiny new world," those are the scenarios we're setting ourselves up for. If you vote for someone who's for abortion and same-sex marriage, you are voting for those to be possibilities for your children and grandchildren -- not just someone else's.
The way I see it, terrorism, socialistic healthcare, teenage abortions, gay marriage, turning away from the Bible this country was built on and all the rest are kind of like rabies and rattlesnakes. There are so many dangers in this world that we can't do anything about (like rattlesnakes). We've got to do something to stop the dangers that we can. For me, a vote for McCain / Palin is the vaccine we need.
And that is all I have to say about that.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Palin Hits it Outta the Park!!
Wow!!
I do have say, though, my favorite line of the evening was from Mike Huckabee -- "Sarah Palin got more votes running for Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, than Joe Biden did running for President."
And with all that, Piper Palin stole the show, didn't she? Did you see her lick her hand and then use it to smooth baby Trig's hair? Wonder where she learned that trick!
Palin has my vote -- 100%. Let's get McCain in the White House, with Palin by his side. AND FOUR years from now, it'll be Palin for President!!
Whoo-Hoo!!!
I do have say, though, my favorite line of the evening was from Mike Huckabee -- "Sarah Palin got more votes running for Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, than Joe Biden did running for President."
And with all that, Piper Palin stole the show, didn't she? Did you see her lick her hand and then use it to smooth baby Trig's hair? Wonder where she learned that trick!
Palin has my vote -- 100%. Let's get McCain in the White House, with Palin by his side. AND FOUR years from now, it'll be Palin for President!!
Whoo-Hoo!!!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Sarah Palin -- What a choice!
On Friday, I was supposed to be at the school at 11:45 to help with Kindergarten lunch.
I was late.
I was glued to the TV as John McCain announced that Sarah Palin was his best-kept-secret Running Mate.
Wow.
As I learned about her, it almost seemed like her resume had been crafted JUST for this campaign. For EXACTLY this moment in history -- when the Republican campaign desperately needed a shot in the arm.
A hunting, fishing, NRA-carrying, union card holding, anti-abortion, Christian, feminine, oil-minded, energy-minded shot in the arm.
And they got it.
But then all the "dirt" hit the soundwaves. Of course the dirt is going to hit the news. And it makes me wonder....
What would have happened if McCain had stood up and said, "I want to introduce you to this great candidate. She's just what this country needs. And by the way, her husband once had one too many beers before driving -- that was before he was officially registered as an independent. This running mate is kind of in some hot water with goings-on in Alaska, but she swears it's not her fault. Oh, and she has an un-married daughter who happens to be pregnant.
"We're just telling you this because we know it's all going to come out in the wash. But we've fully-vetted her, these are the only skeletons in her rather small closet, and we know she is the best choice for Vice President."
Sure... It would have made everyone a bit nervous at first. But at least they wouldn't all be sitting around wondering what the Democrats and their fans in the media are going to dredge up next.
As for me, Palin has my vote. I think if they were going for someone "real," there couldn't have been a better pick.
I was late.
I was glued to the TV as John McCain announced that Sarah Palin was his best-kept-secret Running Mate.
Wow.
As I learned about her, it almost seemed like her resume had been crafted JUST for this campaign. For EXACTLY this moment in history -- when the Republican campaign desperately needed a shot in the arm.
A hunting, fishing, NRA-carrying, union card holding, anti-abortion, Christian, feminine, oil-minded, energy-minded shot in the arm.
And they got it.
But then all the "dirt" hit the soundwaves. Of course the dirt is going to hit the news. And it makes me wonder....
What would have happened if McCain had stood up and said, "I want to introduce you to this great candidate. She's just what this country needs. And by the way, her husband once had one too many beers before driving -- that was before he was officially registered as an independent. This running mate is kind of in some hot water with goings-on in Alaska, but she swears it's not her fault. Oh, and she has an un-married daughter who happens to be pregnant.
"We're just telling you this because we know it's all going to come out in the wash. But we've fully-vetted her, these are the only skeletons in her rather small closet, and we know she is the best choice for Vice President."
Sure... It would have made everyone a bit nervous at first. But at least they wouldn't all be sitting around wondering what the Democrats and their fans in the media are going to dredge up next.
As for me, Palin has my vote. I think if they were going for someone "real," there couldn't have been a better pick.
About Abbie....
Mrs. Bowman asked us to write a letter describing our child for her. Biggs said she had no idea what she was getting into by asking me to do that! But here it is....
Dear Mrs. Bowman,
I think you’ll enjoy having Abbie in your class. If nothing else, because there will never be a dull moment with her around.
Abbie is our oldest child. Our other daughter, Kaitlyn, is in Mrs. Windle’s Kindergarten class. Abs is a great big sister. She’s always been good about including Kaitlyn in whatever she’s doing. We also have a lab mutt named Jake. I’m sure you’ll hear about him.
For the most part, our girls are constantly playing some form of “pretend.” Most play involves animals. Abbie loves to play cheetah and often pretends to be a dog. Animals really are her passion. She could watch Animal Planet constantly if we’d let her. She can share animal facts like no one I’ve ever known. In fact, her goal in life is to be on Animal Planet. I think Animal Cops Houston is her current pick.
Abbie loves to fish and anything else that involves a boat and water. She loves to kneeboard and ride the inner tube. She’s not a bit squeamish when it comes to getting live shrimp out of a bucket for bait, and this summer she’s caught more than her fair share of Redfish (I think they like her hair.)
Speaking of that hair, she’s probably the most confident redhead I’ve ever met. She loves her hair. And you should see it in the mornings! Yikes!
Abbie is more of an introvert than I am – in that she favors her Daddy. I try to take that into consideration and remember that she really does need time by herself every now and then. Once she gets familiar with a situation, it’s no holds barred. But until then, sometimes she hangs back a bit.
Abbie is a die-hard Longhorn fan, which seems a bit odd to her Aggie Mom. I tried to make sure she was exposed to the Aggie War Hymn while in the womb, but I’m guessing I didn’t play it enough. After a year in your class, I’m afraid we may have to move to College Station!!!
Abs loves to read – she’ll read just about anything she can get her hands on. There are many nights when I catch her reading after lights-out. She’s good at math, but tends to get in a rush sometimes.
She does like to talk. A lot.
We hope that helps. As parents, we’re sure she’s the smartest, prettiest, funniest, most incredible second-grader ever. But we know that might not always shine through. In case you ever need us, we’re here to back you up. We thank you for teaching our child – we know you’re going to have a great year!!
Many Blessings,
John & D’Lyn Biggs
Dear Mrs. Bowman,
I think you’ll enjoy having Abbie in your class. If nothing else, because there will never be a dull moment with her around.
Abbie is our oldest child. Our other daughter, Kaitlyn, is in Mrs. Windle’s Kindergarten class. Abs is a great big sister. She’s always been good about including Kaitlyn in whatever she’s doing. We also have a lab mutt named Jake. I’m sure you’ll hear about him.
For the most part, our girls are constantly playing some form of “pretend.” Most play involves animals. Abbie loves to play cheetah and often pretends to be a dog. Animals really are her passion. She could watch Animal Planet constantly if we’d let her. She can share animal facts like no one I’ve ever known. In fact, her goal in life is to be on Animal Planet. I think Animal Cops Houston is her current pick.
Abbie loves to fish and anything else that involves a boat and water. She loves to kneeboard and ride the inner tube. She’s not a bit squeamish when it comes to getting live shrimp out of a bucket for bait, and this summer she’s caught more than her fair share of Redfish (I think they like her hair.)
Speaking of that hair, she’s probably the most confident redhead I’ve ever met. She loves her hair. And you should see it in the mornings! Yikes!
Abbie is more of an introvert than I am – in that she favors her Daddy. I try to take that into consideration and remember that she really does need time by herself every now and then. Once she gets familiar with a situation, it’s no holds barred. But until then, sometimes she hangs back a bit.
Abbie is a die-hard Longhorn fan, which seems a bit odd to her Aggie Mom. I tried to make sure she was exposed to the Aggie War Hymn while in the womb, but I’m guessing I didn’t play it enough. After a year in your class, I’m afraid we may have to move to College Station!!!
Abs loves to read – she’ll read just about anything she can get her hands on. There are many nights when I catch her reading after lights-out. She’s good at math, but tends to get in a rush sometimes.
She does like to talk. A lot.
We hope that helps. As parents, we’re sure she’s the smartest, prettiest, funniest, most incredible second-grader ever. But we know that might not always shine through. In case you ever need us, we’re here to back you up. We thank you for teaching our child – we know you’re going to have a great year!!
Many Blessings,
John & D’Lyn Biggs
Cypress Fundraiser! We'll Bring the Snacks!
Help us “Fund” a Cure!
Financial Education
Breast Cancer Education
Please attend this FREE seminar program that provides women, their families and friends with access to a wide range of financial education and breast cancer information. Mass Mutual will donate $20 to The Breast Cancer 3-Day and Komen for the Cure for every attendee.
Monday, September 15, 2008
7:30 p.m.
Fairfield Baptist Church Worship Center
27240 Highway 290
Cypress, Texas 77433
For more information:
D’Lyn Biggs, Team Tiara Captain
281-256-8067
dlynbiggs@yahoo.com
FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR
Financial Education
Breast Cancer Education
Please attend this FREE seminar program that provides women, their families and friends with access to a wide range of financial education and breast cancer information. Mass Mutual will donate $20 to The Breast Cancer 3-Day and Komen for the Cure for every attendee.
Monday, September 15, 2008
7:30 p.m.
Fairfield Baptist Church Worship Center
27240 Highway 290
Cypress, Texas 77433
For more information:
D’Lyn Biggs, Team Tiara Captain
281-256-8067
dlynbiggs@yahoo.com
FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Empty Nester Shops
Let's Give this Shopping Thing a Whirl! Let's face it. I'm a bit fluffy. (Although I have to say I've ditched 10 lbs. of f...
