Early in October my darling child and I were shopping and she professed with all the strength and air in her lungs, that she needed this doll as we browsed the aisles of Walmart. I laughed and told her that she had a doll like this one, and she quickly replied no I don't I need the potty.

In the midst of my overflowing emotions, I want to congratulate President Elect Barack Obama and Michelle. This has been a long tumultuous affair that has left me hopeful, and unusually happy.
I must admit that my feelings were exposed during this campaign, as I felt this land that we "sometimes" love was over populated by racist and hateful people. Often the comments and criticisms about Barack had undertones of hatred and fear, and I felt as if they were directed at me. You see, African Americans have this link, this bond, that although we may have never met, seeks to unite and protect our brothers and sisters. I don't know how or where this unspoken bond began, but I know that when it is not felt-there is definitely a problem.
So, I say all of this to say that Barack has now asked to share this unspoken bond with everyone. For although this was quite a momentous occasion for African Americans, he said it was momentous for everyone. He was able to let go of the bitter, hateful slurs of the past, and a even asked the other party members to help him succeed. This showed me a man of true character, and although for some reason some people cannot see this (non-voters), he still acknowledges their presence and asked for their help as well.
As I cry-then smile, order more t-shirts and download more campaign music, I am hopeful and thankful. Hopeful for our future, hoping that I can only be as humble, and thankful for how far we have come.

Obama/Biden vs McCain/Palin, what if things were switched around?.....think about it.

Would the country's collective point of view be different?
Ponder the following:

What if the Obamas had paraded five children across the stage, including a three month old infant and an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter?
What if John McCain was a former president of the Harvard Law Review?
What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?
What if McCain had only married once, and Obama was a divorcee?
What if Obama was the candidate who left his first wife after a severe disfiguring car accident, when she no longer measured up to his standards?
What if Obama had met his second wife in a bar and had a long affair while he was still married?
What if Michelle Obama was the wife who not only became addicted to painkillers but also acquired them illegally through her charitable organization?
What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard?
What if Obama had been a member of the Keating Five?(The Keating Five were five United States Senators accused of corruption in 1989, igniting a major political scandal as part of the larger Savings and Loan crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s.)
What if McCain was a charismatic, eloquent speaker?
What if Obama couldn't read from a teleprompter?
What if Obama was the one who had military experience that included discipline problems and a record of crashing seven planes?
What if Obama was the one who was known to display publicly, on many occasions, a serious anger management problem?
What if Michelle Obama's family had made their money from beer distribution?
What if the Obamas had adopted a white child?

You could easily add to this list.

If these questions reflected reality,do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are?

Educational Background:

Barack Obama:
Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in International Relations. Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum LaudeJoseph

Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)
vs.
John McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899

Sarah Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism

Education isn't everything, but this is about the two highest offices in the land as well as our standing in the world. You make the call.

Last weekend I went to a Male auction. Not the hot sweaty ooh aah naked type, this one was for charity. The local members of Zeta had been doing them for years and I had heard it was the place to be.

Wednesday afternoon I received a call from my darling daughters father, mentioning that we must go meet with the Dean, because HIS child was misbehaving!! After completely panicking, because I called the school daily to receive an admission packet. I wrote a long loving letter to the school to get "THE MOST SOUGHT Teacher" in the Preschool 3 section. How could she betray me and act so badly that the entire family needs to go the DEAN? To say the least, I was crushed, yes the super POLITICO, often brazen OBAMA MAMA sat sobbing for fear my child was doomed for life.
After pulling myself together, I called him back to find out what happened. Taylor had a small tiff over a seat and decided to hit the child and say "no no". After that she pushed a young man because he wouldn't let her go first. Lastly, the teacher reported that she put a classmate in a head lock.

I am a firm believer in listening to the teacher and following up at home with the child. Too many times the educators in my family have shared stories of folks going off on them because there was a problem with their child. So the next I went to the school and talked with our teacher and she said Ms Taylor is very strong willed. She often thinks she knows it all and will not accept direction. If another child goes against her, she will pinch or hit and say "no no". After hearing that, all I could do was thank her for her time and walk away. Taylor was acting in school as she sees her mother act everyday...I sent myself to the Deans Office.

In effort to turn tide and heighten the awareness of breast cancer screenings, I have decided to leave a healthy tip, as this is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Have you been screened?

Screening is when the doctor examines or breast for any abnormalities before and signs and symptoms of breast cancer have occurred. The earlier any suspected tissue is found the better chances for successful treatment and eradication of any disease. A mammography is currently the most common screening tool used worldwide. These may be performed as part of routine health screening with your current health organization, or at local organizational rallies and promotions.

Statistically, it has been found that routine mammography in women between the ages of 50 to 69 lowers the breast cancer risk by 30%. The risk is decreased by 17% in women below the age of 40. Unfortunately there is no evidence to support the reduction of risk in populations above 70, although it is still valuable at all ages.

This was forwarded to me, and it seems it would move the economy alot faster than the plan somewhat explained to Americans...What do you think?

Economic Recovery Plan of Birk Birkenheimer.

Makes me wonder why this guy isn't the Secretary of the Treasury!

Something that makes good sense.

I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG, etc.... OK, if you are against something, come up with a solution. Here's one to consider:

I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a " We Deserve It Dividend " .

To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bona fide U.S. Citizens 18 +. Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up..

Divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00. Give the $425,000 to every person 18+ as a "We Deserve It Dividend". Imagine the stimulus to the economy.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let's assume a tax rate of 30%. Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam. But it also means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 net cash in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000.00. Me, I'd retire tomorrow!

What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage? Housing crisis solved.


Repay college loans? What a great boost to new grads.
Put away money for college? it'll be there and you get to ride the uphill market that this stimulus would give to investment, starting up new businesses, etc.

Save in a bank? That's ok, you create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car? Great, you create jobs.
Invest in the market? Nothing wrong with the basic tenet "capital drives growth".
Pay for your parent's medical insurance? Good for the seniors and maybe health care improves.
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean? Or else send them to jail for a longer time. They have no excuse.

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces. Even the s*bs that created this mess get a check.

If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 (vote buy) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult US Citizen 18+!

As for AIG ? Liquidate it. Sell off its parts. Let American General go back to being American General and sell insurance. Sell off the real estate. Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.

Sure it's a crazy idea that ca n never work.? The crooks who started it in Congress (and that is Dem and Republican administrations) would never go for it.
But just imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!

How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion better than the Wall Street "experts" who created the technology bubble and burst, and then out of their savvy wisdom, the current mess.

We deserve the dividend more than these geniuses on Wall Street or in Washington DC.

And remember, The Birk plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.


Kindest personal regards,
T. J. Birkenheimer, A Creative Guy & Citizen of the Republic

Everyone has an opinion, that is true, but when you leave a message on a blog, you should reveal who you are, especially if you feel you are correct.

Wait a minute, she has more political experience than Obama. Just because you haven't heard of her, doesn't mean she isn't qualified. I appreciate that she is in touch with families and cares about life issues. We're all entitled to opinions.

September 21, 2008 7:41 AM

This was left as a comment to the previous blog, and maybe I am wrong. I have been a member of my city council for over a year...About the same length of time as Palin has been a Gov. Just speaking of the Gov experience, does that mean we have equal "POLITICAL EXPERIENCE"? I suppose a Juris Doctorate, legal and teaching experience accounts for nothing.

Hypothetically....
I have a Doctorate and I am running for vice-president of a health care organization, and a women with a BS in Journalism is running for the same position. Yet because she "cares for the people" in speeches, because none of us know the "real" candidate(not even her running mate).... Does that make her the optimal choice?

The republicans question this selection and even talked about dropping her from the campaign. She has never talked about leadership plans once in office.

I would never want to be labled a sexist, as I am definitely against stereotyping, but Palin probably needs to be at home with her kids. I have a child that does not have special needs, and she seeks my attention continuously (to the point of draining me).

Lastly, I am all about change, and yes I admire how quickly she moved through the political ranks. Yet, if you don't desire a position enough to critically analyse its role and historical perspectives (previous allies, party positions, etc)do you really want it? Why are they hiding her from the media? Is it because it is "gotcha journalism" and edited? Do you really think they edited the Katie Couric interview? No that was the "real" candidate, who doesn't know her own running mates history.

Food for thought, would this much fanfare be afforded to the VP candidate if she were African-American?

I am sorry I have been unable to write lately, as I have been overwhelmed with the whole POLITICAL RACE!! I hope this country that we live in and love cannot follow a candidate simply because she is has a vagina. I have tried to believe and listen to her views without bias, but where did she come from? If Obama had selected Hillary as a running mate, would she even be a blip on the political radar?

Isn't it also strange, that Change is now the premise of both candidates....

Gotta go-commercial is over....

Will talk more later...

FM

I Cried every night of the DNC. YES BOO HOOed. My child asked if I was okay, because I was crying so hard. I cried when Michele spoke about the little girl from the south side that excelled. THAT WAS ME TOO, and I know others that were not as fortunate and it was not because of lack of desire, it was due to lack of exposure and opportunity. I cried when Hillary spoke, because I know she ached, but held her position for the PARTY. How incredible? I cried when Jennifer Hudson sang the STAR SPANGLED BANNER. YES I probably needed a Prozac too, but that's not the issue.

The issue is regardless of Party, RACE or Gender the time is now to look at what has happened in the past 8 years and decide we have had enough. YES WE CAN-make a change

I received a message here that we should never regret the past, and I had heard it several times before, but it really hit me this time. I know it is because of this mess going on, I AM A TOTAL MUSH.... Don't tell anyone, but I even cried on that ASPCA
commercial. Anyway I often wonder where these people are and how are they now?

#1 My preschool teacher, especially the one that didn't believe that I had to "use it" and I went on myself to prove it. Does she know I remember that day?

#2 My first bus driver who on Halloween wore a Ernie face every year. Not scary huh?

#3 My first cat Buffy, who made my sister so jealous she would try to flush him down the toilet

#4 The family down the street with 7 kids, and 2 tried to be my friend and left with my Barbie clothes in the pocket? Have they been arrested yet?

#5 My first heart breaker, because I was only in 2nd grade, did I really know love?

#6 The people that stole my dog Rocky, are they resting in hell? How do you take a 6 year old's Benji dog!! I was the only one in the neighborhood that had a Benji dog!!

#7 The 21 year old man that I began to date at 16 because he looked like Prince-I wonder if he made it home after my mother cussed him out about being "too damn old" he left really fast

#8 The kids at RE-RE's aka Ms. Marie' s where I learned the alphabet and how to "go" in the right place successfully. I made a lot of close friends at 1-3 years old.

#9 My first TRAMP roommate..oops, I meant college roommate that had a man sleep in her bed in the shared room on the first night we move in. I wonder if she speaks to children on the horrible effects of (tramping)venereal disease...People love to hear from first hand experience.

#10 My 2nd college boyfriend who gave me a beautiful silver 350, that he decided to teach me how to use in the parking lot. Of course Tramp in #9 told the resident director that I was shooting at her. I want him to know that was a great gift, and with good behavior you can come home early and immediately go get the Food stamps for you and your 4 baby's mothers....

Take the time and think...Do you have some people you just wonder about? Tell me about it.

I know this is an awful topic, but facing a grandmother that is declining and often forgets even how to button a shirt, lead me to thinking about other illnesses. And I have a question? Is it better/easier to deal with cancer (and still be able to live life and think) or have dementia and at times barely exist?





What so you think?

Today is payment day at my DD daycare. Since this was also the closest I could get to a 4 week notice, I decided to send my payment in a lovely thank you card. I am happy to say that my child will be leaving this overpriced, all day television watching, cookie eating setting for ALLDAY Preschool!!

So trying to be cordial and nice, I go to hug my child and Ms. Know it ALL (MKA), as we affectionately refer to the daycare owner, in my house, immediately wants to know what is in the card. "OH NO-OH NO, what is that, what is that?" was gasped loudly. So I tell her that we will be leaving soon for a real school. She immediately shouts "which one which one, because if it is a bad one I'ma (spoken as one word) tell you." All I could do was look as the passed 2 years of bewilderment came to my head....

FIRST, Why do you think you know every DAMN thing? MKA earned this name because no matter what topic, what day or language, she will have either a story to trump yours, or has so much knowledge that she must cut you off to tell you what you must do!

Secondly, if I am standing at her door, with my withdrawal notice in my hand, what makes her believe any comment from her, on the school we have selected for her to attend would make any damn difference at this point?

Third, If she was so well versed on the "good schools", why doesnt she try to emulate them instead of putting the children in front of the Disney channel all day?

Forth, why does it cost $ 25 per child to go to Chuck E Cheese, for a field trip?

Fifth, why when I come early are you not home and your husband is playing Playstation while the kids nap, and tells me to hold on so he can save the game?

Sixth, why why why when you see me running in, do you decide to talk about some BS like your hair? Why not ever stop me to talk about the progression in my child, or how she is recognizing SIGHT WORDS, that you probably don't know.

Anyway, I left and immediately put on NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT, by Marvin Sapp. Because only GOD knows, how I have made it this far.

To all childcare providers, we need you and truly thank you for taking good care of our babies. Yet you MUST KNOW WHEN TO SHUT THE F UP.....Sorry

Fysty MaMa

This has been the longest week ever. I have started so many projects and promised to quit my job so many times I think they guess as to whether I am coming or going. Today one of my co-workers gave me the number to a good "shrink" that has helped a lot of people she "knows"....

TANGENT----Why the hell is it when you work with women, especially young spoiled brats who dont know their butthole from a hole in the wall do you always have to walk on eggshells? This other psychotic Lisa Bright and Dark Chick starts off a BEE-ATCH and then mid-day wants to come and laugh, joke, and save the world. Within the next ten minutes she is back at the crab from hell. She especially hates it if I, someone close in age, yet her superior, repremands her... Oh well, she probably needs the referral from the other lady

Anyway I am glad for the weekend.....

PS...I am in more contests!!
Go over and visit MOMSATIONAL and check out the cool contests!!
Also

Ok, in this time of craziness, yet high period of boredom, is it okay to internet date? What if the profile is fine as all get out and he has the resume of "Mr. Positive Role Model", should I trust it?
I have had many friends and coworkers that have landed their prospective wives/husbands through this internet thing, all would do again. Yet, I am "paranoid patty" as some like to call me and just too scary to even make that move.

Yes, I do go out and meet alot of people there, and some say the risk is just as great, but is it? When this man knows a friend of a friend that dated my cousins sister in law? I can clearly check references and past dating issues through our common contact. Internet man can only be googled.

How about finding a friend? We are talking a man you may have known in a "past life", yet after reading his blogs and pictures and messages and blah blah.....you feel like you may have missed something. Is this the same thing as internet dating? It is the internet and although I used to know him, I dont have any contacts that can corraborate his new life. He could be the wild killer trying to end my crazy blogging streak.....

I have to admit I was once on Match.com. YES match!! I was getting old farts and bums off of the street with computer access.

Okay to get the full gst of this story we must start back in the winter when the spring products began to dot the aisle of the major department stores....

Here are more sites I have visited for wonderful items:

1. Christine is offering Blogger heading and setup help; as you know I need


2. Mommy Needs a Cocktail is offering wonderful items from Baby Brewing (robe, tee,etc.)
3. ThoughtsDujor is offering a $15 Cold Stone Creamery Gift Card
4. A Mommy Story is offering a Nintendo DS Lite perfect to practice at home so you are the "cool" relative at family functions!!

I think that is it, I am going to bed...Good Luck ALL

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive disease, killing vital brain tissue, leading to decreased function, memory, and altered behavior.

I had muttered a statement very similar to the above statement several times to family members, caretakers, and friends never thinking any deeper than the physiological effects and how to potentially treat the disease. I have walked in the Chicago Memory Walk just to support numbers of people with the disease. I just never knew the depth of pain associated with the change in a loved one until I saw my grandmother progressively change.

Today, I finally made the appointment for her to see a geriatric specialist and my heart sunk. When I told her I knew she was about to lose it, as she is the lady to whom I credit all FYSTYNESS!! She once, when I was young, was cheated by the "friendly free cable guy". She saw him walking and pulled her car over to him on the street, pulled a gun and said something... That something I cant quite remember because she reached across me to aim it and I didnt even know she knew what a bullet was!!

So I just want to stay positive and think on the blessings of having her still here with me to share her periodic moments of wisdom. I am thankful that I have had so many wonderful years.

Yet, is it wrong for me to just be pissed off right now,thankful for her life, but just ticked off? Not necessarily mad at anyone, but just mad that it is my Grandma?

FYSTY

I decided to give away this CUTE size 4 NWT Laura Ashley Outfit to the randomly selected participant that leaves comments with suggestions to help LIVEN UP MY BLOG
(i.e. templates, sound, color, readers).

Ways you can enter:

1. Leave a comment with suggestion and directions to spruce up my page.


2. Have your own blog? Then blog about my giveaway and leave a comment with the direct link to the post for 2 entries.
   
3. Leave a comment on any of my other posts here on my blog. The comment must be insightful- not just "hi" or "I agree". Add your own thoughts, opinions, ideas, similar experience, etc. You will receive 1 extra entry for each comment you leave (only 1 comment per post will count though). This means every time I post something new you could get another entry if you leave a comment about it (plus all the posts I've already made!)
   

Please post only one suggestion with your email/blog address (yet feel free to blog and comment on other posts), and until 1200(CT) August 2, I will accept suggestions.


All posts will be entered into the drawing and a randomly selected winner will be notified via email. You need not have a blog to enter, but experience is always the best teacher.

Thanks for all of your help in advance.

GO TO Lavie De Laurie's Page and enter to win a new Coach bag!!

I love Bloggy giveaway time!!

I borrowed this from Sarah and I really liked it.Some of her answers even matched mine!!

Thanks Sarah

I(verb)
I am: content
I think: I take on too many projects
I know: God is LOVE.
I want: to grow
I have: a wonderful child
I wish: my grandmother was healthy
I hate: LIES
I miss: friends from college!
I fear: mice
I feel: kinda tired, if only I could go to bed
I hear: the television in the next room
I smell: Melot, our yorkie!!
I search: for the answers to lifes questions
I wonder: what God's plan for us is. AMEN to that one!!
I regret: Not marrying my college sweetheart, he was the kindest man I have ever met
I ache: at times, but I move past it
I care: about everything!! Often I care too much!!
I always: stay on the computer too long
I am not: sure about which steps to take next.
I believe: in Jesus Christ.
I dance: whenever I hear, think, or feel a beat!!
I sing: whenever I can.
I cry: it seems like everyday. Worse around that time of the month!!
I don’t always: listen, even though I act like I do.
I fight: till the end
I write: via email quite frequently
I win: all the time, in my world
I lose: sometimes, and even more than I admit
I never: stop eating when I should
I confuse: people
I listen: when I want to
I can usually be found: on the computer.
I am afraid of: MICE, deathly afraid!!
I need: a long vacation
I am happy about: my life thus far and my healthy growing child!!