Chances are you have already seen this. Even though the footage is over 30 years old, it has become a You Tube sensation. It has been aired on The View, The Today Show, and Good Morning America. The reunion scene from this moved me to tears. I absolutely believe in the love that people and animals can have for each other.
A correction and addendum to this story. Ace's last name is Bourke, the video mistakenly identifies him as Berg. Also, these two men did arrange for Christian to be reintroduced to the wild, but George Adamson (of Born Free fame, and the older man in the footage) actually did the rehabilitation. George Adamson was murdered in 1989, but his conservation efforts live on. To make a donation or purchase a DVD about this amazing story go to Born Free Foundation.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
A tad bit hormonal
Disclaimer: This post is about hormones. It may fall into the category of TMI about Alice. If you don't want to read it, don't, but no snarky comments about my hormonal hell, because that is where I am vacationing this week.
This is a video of the Millenium Force Roller Coaster
but, if the truth be told, it is a video of my hormone levels lately, complete with the highs, the drops, the twists, and the turns. Now, before you think I am in danger of killing someone, this roller coaster ride only happens one week out of each month. The thrill ride is complete with migraines, nausea, aches, anxiety, and crying jags. Okay, not so much on the crying part, though a good cry would probably do me some good. I am not loving or embracing this aspect of my girliness. Sometimes being a woman sucks, and not in a good way.
My doctor's advice to me is to pray for menopause. Gee...thanks a bunch, I am so glad that I paid you $100 for that great medical advice. I do have medication for the migraines, of course the side effects are nausea, aches, fatigue, loss of mental capacity, and headaches. I get to trade the searing, blinding pain for a lesser headache and generally feeling like crap. And the medication costs about $80 per pill. With all the miracle cures that have been discovered, one would think that a PMS cure would have been found long ago. After all, people would pay good money for it. Though I would not want to be the husband that says, "Honey, maybe you should take your PMS pill."
more animals
I know that hormone therapy used to be widely prescribed, but since it has been linked to breast cancer it is now rarely used. I have tried all kinds of over-the-counter and herbal remedies, obviously with no results. I have even begged my doctor for some hormone therapy, because during this week, the possibility of contracting breast cancer really doesn't seem all that bad. He must really believe the risks, because he told a hormonal woman, NO. The week always starts out with me wondering what is wrong with me, then it progresses to the point where I think I am losing it, by the time I think I am really crazy I usually figure it out. But, by then it is over, I am crawling out of my big gaping pit of self-pity and despair and becoming human again.
The point of my post is to petition the medical community. PLEASE, find a cure. In the next thirty days, find a cure. If you are a medical researcher, chances are, you either are a woman, or you live with a woman, or you know a woman. Find a cure. My only other thought on this is that Dr. Bruce Banner is really a woman and (except for the green part) the Hulk is that woman with PMS. I really mean it, find a cure.
This is a video of the Millenium Force Roller Coaster
but, if the truth be told, it is a video of my hormone levels lately, complete with the highs, the drops, the twists, and the turns. Now, before you think I am in danger of killing someone, this roller coaster ride only happens one week out of each month. The thrill ride is complete with migraines, nausea, aches, anxiety, and crying jags. Okay, not so much on the crying part, though a good cry would probably do me some good. I am not loving or embracing this aspect of my girliness. Sometimes being a woman sucks, and not in a good way.
My doctor's advice to me is to pray for menopause. Gee...thanks a bunch, I am so glad that I paid you $100 for that great medical advice. I do have medication for the migraines, of course the side effects are nausea, aches, fatigue, loss of mental capacity, and headaches. I get to trade the searing, blinding pain for a lesser headache and generally feeling like crap. And the medication costs about $80 per pill. With all the miracle cures that have been discovered, one would think that a PMS cure would have been found long ago. After all, people would pay good money for it. Though I would not want to be the husband that says, "Honey, maybe you should take your PMS pill."
more animals
I know that hormone therapy used to be widely prescribed, but since it has been linked to breast cancer it is now rarely used. I have tried all kinds of over-the-counter and herbal remedies, obviously with no results. I have even begged my doctor for some hormone therapy, because during this week, the possibility of contracting breast cancer really doesn't seem all that bad. He must really believe the risks, because he told a hormonal woman, NO. The week always starts out with me wondering what is wrong with me, then it progresses to the point where I think I am losing it, by the time I think I am really crazy I usually figure it out. But, by then it is over, I am crawling out of my big gaping pit of self-pity and despair and becoming human again.
The point of my post is to petition the medical community. PLEASE, find a cure. In the next thirty days, find a cure. If you are a medical researcher, chances are, you either are a woman, or you live with a woman, or you know a woman. Find a cure. My only other thought on this is that Dr. Bruce Banner is really a woman and (except for the green part) the Hulk is that woman with PMS. I really mean it, find a cure.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Hell and heretics
I am sometimes reluctant to post on religion and politics as I know that these two topics can be very divisive. I also have highly formed opinions and beliefs in both of these areas, I am always eager to engage in intelligent discussions on these topics. I am not so arrogant as to believe that my ideas are the only ones or even the correct ones.
I do post on these topics, because this is my blog and my opinion and I am not forcing anyone to read it. As I read over my earlier post on Michele Bachmann, I wanted to clarify some of my thoughts. I do not hold disdain for conservative Christians, I used to be one. (Sort of, my questions and views always seemed to get me into trouble with the church.) I know many religious and Biblical scholars who are educated, intelligent people and can make me pause and rethink things. I also know that most religious teaching is done by lay-people, who are simply repeating what they have been taught, without any critical thought or study on their own.
I am a Christian, I believe in the sovereignty and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I do not believe that his sacrifice relieves us of personal responsibility for our actions. I believe that God is the creator and is an omnipotent being. I am not so prideful or presumptuous to believe I understand his consummate plan or his nature. I find many other religions and philosophies have theories and beliefs that make sense to me and mesh with what I believe as a Christian. I incorporate those beliefs into mine and do not feel I am being inconsistent or blasphemous. I also have a problem with the concept of Hell. If God is a just, loving and perfect being, how can he punish and torture people over the fact that they did not know or did not accept the gospel message? My beliefs have always prompted much doubt and many questions for me. I have a hard time blindly accepting things that do not make sense to me. Yet, I continue to believe a central core of ideas, while questioning and rejecting much of what churches teach. The church does not define what I believe, I do not believe that "the church" is necessarily representing or speaking for God.
I believe that God loves and cares for his creations, I believe that God wants me to love and care for his creations also. But, I am flawed and that is sometimes difficult to do. Every now and then, I hear a message, often from a "heretic" that makes sense to me. That seems to fit in with my small, flawed image of who God is. I always appreciate when people are honest and open about their own struggles with their faith. One blog I read is Real Live Preacher, it has touched me deeply and given me much to think about. I was initially drawn in by a post on his personal story, he was refreshingly honest about his own questions and doubts. Recently, he has invited his readers to define and defend their beliefs about Hell. He is doing his own study as well, I will be very interested in seeing the results.
His post on Hell, reminded me of Carlton Pearson. An evangelical, who has been condemned and been called a heretic for his Gospel of Inclusion. He has a Pentecostal background and preached fire and brimstone for years, until his own questions prompted (what he believes is) a revelation from God. Hell is a touchy subject for most Christians. People are afraid of it and therefore do not want to question it. If God is my loving Father and I am his rebellious child, I find the need to question him all the time. Below is the second part of an interview with Carlton Pearson, I am intrigued by his new gospel message. I find it interesting that Ted Haggard is used to rebuke his message. How typical it is that the ones who are the most resolute are the ones that frequently fall from grace.
I am not writing this post as a primer to what I believe. I do not think we are meant to or are capable of fully understanding God or his message. My faith is a journey (as is most of my life) and it regularly gets shaken up and evolves. I will not try to impose my beliefs on anyone. Please do not try and impose yours on me (unless you have a well-thought out and critical argument, which I will respectfully listen to). I admit to my flaws and admit to my humanity and just try to do the best that I can. If my views have offended anyone in the past, I apologize. But they are in fact, my views. I believe the state of the country and the world today causes God as much anguish as it causes me, though maybe for different reasons.
I do post on these topics, because this is my blog and my opinion and I am not forcing anyone to read it. As I read over my earlier post on Michele Bachmann, I wanted to clarify some of my thoughts. I do not hold disdain for conservative Christians, I used to be one. (Sort of, my questions and views always seemed to get me into trouble with the church.) I know many religious and Biblical scholars who are educated, intelligent people and can make me pause and rethink things. I also know that most religious teaching is done by lay-people, who are simply repeating what they have been taught, without any critical thought or study on their own.
I am a Christian, I believe in the sovereignty and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I do not believe that his sacrifice relieves us of personal responsibility for our actions. I believe that God is the creator and is an omnipotent being. I am not so prideful or presumptuous to believe I understand his consummate plan or his nature. I find many other religions and philosophies have theories and beliefs that make sense to me and mesh with what I believe as a Christian. I incorporate those beliefs into mine and do not feel I am being inconsistent or blasphemous. I also have a problem with the concept of Hell. If God is a just, loving and perfect being, how can he punish and torture people over the fact that they did not know or did not accept the gospel message? My beliefs have always prompted much doubt and many questions for me. I have a hard time blindly accepting things that do not make sense to me. Yet, I continue to believe a central core of ideas, while questioning and rejecting much of what churches teach. The church does not define what I believe, I do not believe that "the church" is necessarily representing or speaking for God.
I believe that God loves and cares for his creations, I believe that God wants me to love and care for his creations also. But, I am flawed and that is sometimes difficult to do. Every now and then, I hear a message, often from a "heretic" that makes sense to me. That seems to fit in with my small, flawed image of who God is. I always appreciate when people are honest and open about their own struggles with their faith. One blog I read is Real Live Preacher, it has touched me deeply and given me much to think about. I was initially drawn in by a post on his personal story, he was refreshingly honest about his own questions and doubts. Recently, he has invited his readers to define and defend their beliefs about Hell. He is doing his own study as well, I will be very interested in seeing the results.
His post on Hell, reminded me of Carlton Pearson. An evangelical, who has been condemned and been called a heretic for his Gospel of Inclusion. He has a Pentecostal background and preached fire and brimstone for years, until his own questions prompted (what he believes is) a revelation from God. Hell is a touchy subject for most Christians. People are afraid of it and therefore do not want to question it. If God is my loving Father and I am his rebellious child, I find the need to question him all the time. Below is the second part of an interview with Carlton Pearson, I am intrigued by his new gospel message. I find it interesting that Ted Haggard is used to rebuke his message. How typical it is that the ones who are the most resolute are the ones that frequently fall from grace.
I am not writing this post as a primer to what I believe. I do not think we are meant to or are capable of fully understanding God or his message. My faith is a journey (as is most of my life) and it regularly gets shaken up and evolves. I will not try to impose my beliefs on anyone. Please do not try and impose yours on me (unless you have a well-thought out and critical argument, which I will respectfully listen to). I admit to my flaws and admit to my humanity and just try to do the best that I can. If my views have offended anyone in the past, I apologize. But they are in fact, my views. I believe the state of the country and the world today causes God as much anguish as it causes me, though maybe for different reasons.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Shift Happens
Whether you are a parent, teacher or a U.S. citizen, you need to watch this video. We cannot keep complaining about the job market, the economy, or our education system unless we are willing to change our thinking and our focus.
This is a bit scary and exciting, all at the same time.
This is a bit scary and exciting, all at the same time.
Michele Bachmann - US Representative from Minnesota
On global warming
on Terri Schiavo
Who the hell is this woman, and why can't someone get a muzzle on her? It is embarrassing to have a public official speaking out so ignorantly and foolishly. While I concede that many politicians distort facts and put a spin on things to support their causes, she actually believes the bullshit she is spouting. It is amazing to me that the religious right can get people elected solely on their religious beliefs. Are there not any intelligent, educated christian conservatives? (I know there are, I have met them and had discussions with them.) Do they have to scrape the bottom of the barrel to find candidates that are simply a joke? In her speech on global warming, she goes on to say that we do not need to take action to save the planet. Why? Because Jesus Christ did that already. I am sure that Christ will be pleased to know that his sacrifice entitled us to destroy the planet. Even from a Judeo/Christian viewpoint, whatever happened to man having dominion over the earth? Dominion means having sovereignty or authority. I realize that one can be a good ruler or a poor and selfish ruler, but to me authority should entail being a good steward with resources. Man's directive to subdue the earth should not translate into destroy.
Of course, this is the same woman claiming that Terri Schiavo was healthy, I have never considered a persistant vegetative state to be healthy. And yes, I have a Living Will to define my wishes in the event that I cannot. I can appreciate someone's fanatical religious views and beliefs. I have some dearly held beliefs myself, however, I do not feel the need to impose them on everyone. I have family in Minnesota, I know not everyone who lives there is mindless or backward (even if ice-fishing is a popular winter activity). I just do not know how this woman got elected. Please forgive me if you are mindless and backward a religious conservative, I certainly do not mean to offend.
These are a few of my favorite things
I am home today, I have two vacation days this week. I originally had the entire week off, but my finances prohibited me from actually going anywhere, so I am only taking two days. I often lament about not having time to get anything done, you would think this was the perfect opportunity. I could be doing something terribly productive and sensible, like painting my hallway. I am not, I am wasting time. I have done some useful things this morning, like laundry and brushing the dogs. But for the last hour, I have been shopping online (make that window shopping online-I have no money, remember?).
Sometimes, I have this urge to look at all the things that I would buy if I had, oh...about a billion dollars. This is really a time waster, considering that my checking account is currently $68.32. For a poor working girl, I have some quite expensive tastes. Though over the years, I have been able to indulge myself (a lot more than I care to admit).
I love to collect things, pretty things, things that have no useful or practical purpose whatsoever. Some collections have grown from heirlooms I have been given. I love Bavarian China, I have many pieces, mostly from my grandmother. I collect iron doorstops, the first one was acquired from my aunt. I try to get antique ones, but I will succumb to a good reproduction as well (considering the price difference is about $90). I went through a phase of collecting music boxes, most of these were gifts, but I did buy a cylinder music box that I love (and paid way too much for).
Toys, I love toys. I have a whole menagerie of Steiff stuffed animals. I have wind-up tin toys. I have puppets, I love puppets. Toys are just fun. Anyone who has ever been a child, just has to love toys.
I collect Christmas ornaments, Christopher Radko and Old World. I try not to buy them anymore, because more ornaments would require another tree, which I do not have room for. This is my biggest indulgence and my most expensive one as well. I have hundreds of them (not all collectibles) and when they are all displayed, they cover six trees. Christmas is my favorite holiday and my collecting downfall, I have more Christmas decorations than anyone (except maybe a department store) should have. I have nativities, lots of them, Christmas music boxes (see how two of my passions came together?) I have train sets and figurines, linens, even Christmas finials for my lamps. Did I mention that Christmas was my favorite holiday? But it is not just Christmas, it is the season. I love snowmen, I love snowbabies, I love snow globes (even the cheap plastic ones), I have dreidels for Hanukkah. I have been looking for a menorah for a long time, but have not found one that I love (at least not in my price range). Not all of my preferences are expensive, I sometimes am drawn towards cheap, tacky items (I prefer to call them kitschy). There is just some appeal to American tackiness (especially from the 50's).
My greatest source of excess is one I have not been able to satisfy very much. I lust after Limoges boxes. I have a few "Limoges style" boxes, but no originals. Like the rest of my decadent yearnings, these serve absolutely no useful purpose on the face of the earth, other than to make my heart sing. They are beautiful, handcrafted, diminutive, porcelain boxes that always have a little surprise inside. Sometimes it is a relevant phrase (in French), but the best is a separate porcelain piece or a small painted picture.
Lest you think I am a material girl, I am not. My many collections have been acquired over a period of 50 years. Most of them are the result of gifts (okay, not the ornaments). I am capable of buying on lay-away, saving up, or just saying no, depending on the state of my finances (okay, not the ornaments). I am constantly telling my children, "don't throw anything away when I die, some of that junk is worth money." There are many things that catch my eye, that I do not get started on. I have been known to give gifts out of my collections (no this is NOT cheap, this is a personal sacrifice from me). I do not elevate my collections over living things, I have shed a tear when ornaments have been broken by dogs, cats, children, but I have not screamed or yelled. I only collect things that I LOVE, things that make me smile, things that make my heart skip a beat. Most of my collections hold (at least began with) great sentimental value for me. I am not nearly as bad about collecting (hoarding) as I used to be.
Sometimes, I have this urge to look at all the things that I would buy if I had, oh...about a billion dollars. This is really a time waster, considering that my checking account is currently $68.32. For a poor working girl, I have some quite expensive tastes. Though over the years, I have been able to indulge myself (a lot more than I care to admit).
I love to collect things, pretty things, things that have no useful or practical purpose whatsoever. Some collections have grown from heirlooms I have been given. I love Bavarian China, I have many pieces, mostly from my grandmother. I collect iron doorstops, the first one was acquired from my aunt. I try to get antique ones, but I will succumb to a good reproduction as well (considering the price difference is about $90). I went through a phase of collecting music boxes, most of these were gifts, but I did buy a cylinder music box that I love (and paid way too much for).
Toys, I love toys. I have a whole menagerie of Steiff stuffed animals. I have wind-up tin toys. I have puppets, I love puppets. Toys are just fun. Anyone who has ever been a child, just has to love toys.
I collect Christmas ornaments, Christopher Radko and Old World. I try not to buy them anymore, because more ornaments would require another tree, which I do not have room for. This is my biggest indulgence and my most expensive one as well. I have hundreds of them (not all collectibles) and when they are all displayed, they cover six trees. Christmas is my favorite holiday and my collecting downfall, I have more Christmas decorations than anyone (except maybe a department store) should have. I have nativities, lots of them, Christmas music boxes (see how two of my passions came together?) I have train sets and figurines, linens, even Christmas finials for my lamps. Did I mention that Christmas was my favorite holiday? But it is not just Christmas, it is the season. I love snowmen, I love snowbabies, I love snow globes (even the cheap plastic ones), I have dreidels for Hanukkah. I have been looking for a menorah for a long time, but have not found one that I love (at least not in my price range). Not all of my preferences are expensive, I sometimes am drawn towards cheap, tacky items (I prefer to call them kitschy). There is just some appeal to American tackiness (especially from the 50's).
My greatest source of excess is one I have not been able to satisfy very much. I lust after Limoges boxes. I have a few "Limoges style" boxes, but no originals. Like the rest of my decadent yearnings, these serve absolutely no useful purpose on the face of the earth, other than to make my heart sing. They are beautiful, handcrafted, diminutive, porcelain boxes that always have a little surprise inside. Sometimes it is a relevant phrase (in French), but the best is a separate porcelain piece or a small painted picture.
Lest you think I am a material girl, I am not. My many collections have been acquired over a period of 50 years. Most of them are the result of gifts (okay, not the ornaments). I am capable of buying on lay-away, saving up, or just saying no, depending on the state of my finances (okay, not the ornaments). I am constantly telling my children, "don't throw anything away when I die, some of that junk is worth money." There are many things that catch my eye, that I do not get started on. I have been known to give gifts out of my collections (no this is NOT cheap, this is a personal sacrifice from me). I do not elevate my collections over living things, I have shed a tear when ornaments have been broken by dogs, cats, children, but I have not screamed or yelled. I only collect things that I LOVE, things that make me smile, things that make my heart skip a beat. Most of my collections hold (at least began with) great sentimental value for me. I am not nearly as bad about collecting (hoarding) as I used to be.
Friday, August 8, 2008
8-08-08
Apparently, today's date is considered lucky, due to the number eight and the symmetry of the number. Along with the start of the Olympics, there were myriads of marriages starting as well. I am not sure how I feel about lucky numbers. It certainly would be an easy anniversary date to remember, that could be lucky for the grooms and fortuitous for the brides (never having to remind their husbands of the date). I did have a pretty good day today, but nothing that I would consider lucky. I wish all of the happy couples well, they are certainly going to need it. I am not trying to be cynical about marriage, but with today's high rates of divorce, a successful marriage can be very elusive.
I have been married (and divorced) twice. I am ambivalent about marriage. I have known people with seemingly successful marriages, but success is more than longevity. Within the confines of a marriage, no one but the individuals can be sure of the happiness and satisfaction involved. My parents were married for 57 years when my father died, their marriage would appear to have been successful and it was. I know they loved each other deeply, but I also remember some tough times over the years. Perseverance is the key, but that does not translate into happiness either. A decision of whether to stay in a marriage or end it is difficult, it is also compounded by things like shared property, finances, children and extended family.
I am not speaking against marriage, thirty years ago I wanted very much to be married. Now, I cannot imagine doing that again. I would not want to make an absolute statement. Such as, "I never will get married again." Statements containing always and never seem to be hard to back up. I just don't anticipate ever marrying again. I feel that a relationship is based on commitment and work, not on a certificate or ceremony. Yes, that certificate, along with the legalities, makes it harder to just walk away, but it doesn't guarantee anything.
I think that in some ways, the idea of marriage is outdated. Certainly when it is defined as one man and one woman together forever. I understand why the gay community is fighting for marriage rights. I support this, they should not be denied the right to form legal unions. They should be afforded the legal rights and protections that it brings. I do not really believe that our species is hard-wired for monogamy. I believe that many people are monogamous, and probably very happily so. Yet, we all have a wide spectrum of emotional and physical needs, many of those needs happen in the context of relationships (sex, companionship, support, affirmation). It is hard for one person to meet all of those needs. Many times, marriage sets that expectation. The difficulty is compounded by the fact that we all change and evolve. No one is the same at 20 as they are at 70. Someone who shares our views, goals, and interests at 20, may be totally opposite later in life. Why is it not considered successful when dedication and commitment exist, but some of the needs are met outside of the marriage?
I do not have any real answers. I think that everyone needs to figure it out on their own. I also think that society needs to stay out of other people's relationships. It is not up to the press, the public, or the religious right to judge and dictate what others can and will do. I was reading about John Edwards' confession today. I was saddened for both him and his wife. Maybe he made a mistake, maybe she even knew, maybe he just needed a break from her illness and his politics. Whatever it was, I am sure he did not intend to hurt her or embarrass her. Now both of those things have occurred. I am also sure that he is no longer being considered for a running mate or a future attorney general position, he is too controversial. Though his infidelity has nothing to do with his political and legal, knowledge and skill. He is not the first (nor will he be the last) politician who has been brought down by an affair.
What kind of nation are we, when personal lives, affairs, and relationships hold more importance than war, torture, and infringement of rights? Why does cheating on one's wife have a greater impact than violating the Constitution? This morality thing sure is screwed up.
I have been married (and divorced) twice. I am ambivalent about marriage. I have known people with seemingly successful marriages, but success is more than longevity. Within the confines of a marriage, no one but the individuals can be sure of the happiness and satisfaction involved. My parents were married for 57 years when my father died, their marriage would appear to have been successful and it was. I know they loved each other deeply, but I also remember some tough times over the years. Perseverance is the key, but that does not translate into happiness either. A decision of whether to stay in a marriage or end it is difficult, it is also compounded by things like shared property, finances, children and extended family.
I am not speaking against marriage, thirty years ago I wanted very much to be married. Now, I cannot imagine doing that again. I would not want to make an absolute statement. Such as, "I never will get married again." Statements containing always and never seem to be hard to back up. I just don't anticipate ever marrying again. I feel that a relationship is based on commitment and work, not on a certificate or ceremony. Yes, that certificate, along with the legalities, makes it harder to just walk away, but it doesn't guarantee anything.
I think that in some ways, the idea of marriage is outdated. Certainly when it is defined as one man and one woman together forever. I understand why the gay community is fighting for marriage rights. I support this, they should not be denied the right to form legal unions. They should be afforded the legal rights and protections that it brings. I do not really believe that our species is hard-wired for monogamy. I believe that many people are monogamous, and probably very happily so. Yet, we all have a wide spectrum of emotional and physical needs, many of those needs happen in the context of relationships (sex, companionship, support, affirmation). It is hard for one person to meet all of those needs. Many times, marriage sets that expectation. The difficulty is compounded by the fact that we all change and evolve. No one is the same at 20 as they are at 70. Someone who shares our views, goals, and interests at 20, may be totally opposite later in life. Why is it not considered successful when dedication and commitment exist, but some of the needs are met outside of the marriage?
I do not have any real answers. I think that everyone needs to figure it out on their own. I also think that society needs to stay out of other people's relationships. It is not up to the press, the public, or the religious right to judge and dictate what others can and will do. I was reading about John Edwards' confession today. I was saddened for both him and his wife. Maybe he made a mistake, maybe she even knew, maybe he just needed a break from her illness and his politics. Whatever it was, I am sure he did not intend to hurt her or embarrass her. Now both of those things have occurred. I am also sure that he is no longer being considered for a running mate or a future attorney general position, he is too controversial. Though his infidelity has nothing to do with his political and legal, knowledge and skill. He is not the first (nor will he be the last) politician who has been brought down by an affair.
What kind of nation are we, when personal lives, affairs, and relationships hold more importance than war, torture, and infringement of rights? Why does cheating on one's wife have a greater impact than violating the Constitution? This morality thing sure is screwed up.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
An update on the nation's latest disaster
Finally, a source dedicated to accurate reporting.
Bush Tours America To Survey Damage Caused By His Disastrous Presidency
And...in related news.
U.S. Finally Gets Around To Closing Last WWII Internment Camp
Bush Tours America To Survey Damage Caused By His Disastrous Presidency
And...in related news.
U.S. Finally Gets Around To Closing Last WWII Internment Camp
Sunday, August 3, 2008
It's all in the planning
I have been working on my bedroom for several months. I painted and wallpapered and I bought new curtains. The walls have been done for awhile, but I have put off hanging the curtain rod. I did that today. I will admit that I just like to get things done fast, the result is it usually takes me even longer than normal.
I had to put in wall anchors and then screw the curtain rod brackets to the wall. No sweat, right? No, I was sweating quite a bit by the time I was done. I hate to sweat for anything other than sex. The first problem was that I could not find the drill chuck. My son often borrows tools and somehow they do not make it all back in one place (and yes, it is much easier to blame him). After hunting and trying to change bits without it, I borrowed one from the neighbor. Then, I had reasoned there was no reason to drag out the ladder, I would just stand on the bed. Never mind that it is soft and squishy. That is what I did, even though at one point I almost fell through the window. After I drilled the holes, I tried to hammer in the wall anchors. Only instead of using a hammer, I was using a shoe that had a wooden sole. (Hey, Dr. Scholl's were the only hammers I owned in college and they always worked.) I spent a good twenty minutes trying, before admitting that I really did need a hammer. Another trip into the garage to locate that. The curtains are hung and they look lovely, only the valance that I bought is the wrong size.
I used to pride myself on being very handy and independent. Today, I was glad that no one was watching me. At one point, I began to reason that I was just becoming too girly and it was effecting my self-sufficiency. However, I do know that my problems arose from just plain laziness of trying to cut corners. I would have lectured my kids about it, if it had happened to them. But it's me, so I will just blog about it.
I had to put in wall anchors and then screw the curtain rod brackets to the wall. No sweat, right? No, I was sweating quite a bit by the time I was done. I hate to sweat for anything other than sex. The first problem was that I could not find the drill chuck. My son often borrows tools and somehow they do not make it all back in one place (and yes, it is much easier to blame him). After hunting and trying to change bits without it, I borrowed one from the neighbor. Then, I had reasoned there was no reason to drag out the ladder, I would just stand on the bed. Never mind that it is soft and squishy. That is what I did, even though at one point I almost fell through the window. After I drilled the holes, I tried to hammer in the wall anchors. Only instead of using a hammer, I was using a shoe that had a wooden sole. (Hey, Dr. Scholl's were the only hammers I owned in college and they always worked.) I spent a good twenty minutes trying, before admitting that I really did need a hammer. Another trip into the garage to locate that. The curtains are hung and they look lovely, only the valance that I bought is the wrong size.
I used to pride myself on being very handy and independent. Today, I was glad that no one was watching me. At one point, I began to reason that I was just becoming too girly and it was effecting my self-sufficiency. However, I do know that my problems arose from just plain laziness of trying to cut corners. I would have lectured my kids about it, if it had happened to them. But it's me, so I will just blog about it.
Celibacy
Before my present relationship, I had been celibate for 13 years. Not everyone knows this about me, but enough people do, for me to know that this is something most people totally do not understand. I had been divorced for 17 years. During that time, I was busy. I raised my boys, worked two jobs and was going to school. When people find out that you are celibate, they make alot of assumptions. People tell me that there is no way they could go without sex. I want to know why not? Sex is not a necessity, it is not like air, water or food. You do not die without sex. People assume that you are a deeply religious person, that you do not have sex because it is a sin. I do not think sex is a sin, I am spiritual, but not what I call deeply religious. People assume that you were terribly hurt or abused at some point, which led to your giving up sex. I had been hurt in the past, I had been in a fucked up relationship. In that relationship, sex was not good. That is not why I was celibate. People assume that you are frigid or an asexual person. I think that I am a very sexual person. I like sex, I enjoy sex, just not for long time.
I never made a conscience decision to become celibate. I just did not go out and seek sexual partners. I did not have time for that, it was not a priority. My family and responsibilities came first. I knew that running around having sex and seeking men was not something that would benefit me or my family. I was in a fairly long relationship for a while. He was a religious person, I knew that if we had sex, he would feel that we should get married. Marriage was not something that I wanted, so I did not want to make it an issue. Eventually marriage was a topic that came to the table anyway, and that led to the end of that relationship, because I knew that that was something that I could not (or did not want to do). He is now married and I hope he found what he was looking for.
Did I miss sex? Certainly, at times. Had I been some kind of pure and conservative person all of my life? No, I do not consider that I have ever been pure or conservative. Probably the opposite. In my younger days I was pretty wild, I did party, sleep around, and had sex for the sake of having sex. I am definitely not a conservative. Come to think of it, conservatives seem to get caught in sex scandals quite a bit. They may preach about it, but they just hide their "sin". In fact the more they preach about it, the more they are probably doing it. Remember when Jimmy Swaggart condemned Jim Bakker for his sexual sin? It was right before Swaggart got caught.
I do not expect everyone to act as I did or prioritze things in my way. This is just what worked for me. Did I ever expect to have sex again? I certainly hoped so, if the time and situation and other person were all right. If I did not have to worry about hidden agendas and know that we both were not expecting too much. But, if I never had sex again, I knew I would not die, pine away, or shrivel up. People expect way too much from sex. They ususally do not have sex simply for the sake of having sex or to just enjoy it. At least this is true of women, I cannot speak for men. They expect a commitment, relationship, an epiphany, rockets, fireworks, or some other such bullshit. That is a pretty tall order for one act to fill. People expect that a sex act will lead to something else, that will never happen, unless something else was already in the stars (so to speak).
People think that after that many years, something spectacular would have to happen for me to break my streak. I just viewed it as, one day the situation would present itself. What I did not know was that something spectacular would happen, I would meet J. He would make me feel safe and sexy and make things easy for me. He made me want him. Funny thing is, I did get what I was not expecting, I did get an epiphany, rockets, fireworks, and a relationship. He still seems to make those fireworks happen for me every time. It certainly was worth waiting for.
I never made a conscience decision to become celibate. I just did not go out and seek sexual partners. I did not have time for that, it was not a priority. My family and responsibilities came first. I knew that running around having sex and seeking men was not something that would benefit me or my family. I was in a fairly long relationship for a while. He was a religious person, I knew that if we had sex, he would feel that we should get married. Marriage was not something that I wanted, so I did not want to make it an issue. Eventually marriage was a topic that came to the table anyway, and that led to the end of that relationship, because I knew that that was something that I could not (or did not want to do). He is now married and I hope he found what he was looking for.
Did I miss sex? Certainly, at times. Had I been some kind of pure and conservative person all of my life? No, I do not consider that I have ever been pure or conservative. Probably the opposite. In my younger days I was pretty wild, I did party, sleep around, and had sex for the sake of having sex. I am definitely not a conservative. Come to think of it, conservatives seem to get caught in sex scandals quite a bit. They may preach about it, but they just hide their "sin". In fact the more they preach about it, the more they are probably doing it. Remember when Jimmy Swaggart condemned Jim Bakker for his sexual sin? It was right before Swaggart got caught.
I do not expect everyone to act as I did or prioritze things in my way. This is just what worked for me. Did I ever expect to have sex again? I certainly hoped so, if the time and situation and other person were all right. If I did not have to worry about hidden agendas and know that we both were not expecting too much. But, if I never had sex again, I knew I would not die, pine away, or shrivel up. People expect way too much from sex. They ususally do not have sex simply for the sake of having sex or to just enjoy it. At least this is true of women, I cannot speak for men. They expect a commitment, relationship, an epiphany, rockets, fireworks, or some other such bullshit. That is a pretty tall order for one act to fill. People expect that a sex act will lead to something else, that will never happen, unless something else was already in the stars (so to speak).
People think that after that many years, something spectacular would have to happen for me to break my streak. I just viewed it as, one day the situation would present itself. What I did not know was that something spectacular would happen, I would meet J. He would make me feel safe and sexy and make things easy for me. He made me want him. Funny thing is, I did get what I was not expecting, I did get an epiphany, rockets, fireworks, and a relationship. He still seems to make those fireworks happen for me every time. It certainly was worth waiting for.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Just my two cents
This is just one of several articles I have read about cross-nursing. Cross-nursing is having someone, other than the mother, nurse a baby. It is better known as being a wet-nurse. In the past, it was a common practice. Even when my boys were babies and I was nursing, there were breast milk banks. You could pump your breasts and sell or donate the excess to these banks.
I am a strong advocate for breast-feeding. I nursed both my boys and was very active in La Leche League. I know the benefits of breast milk, I do believe that "breast is best." That said, I am appalled that this practice is being encouraged by parenting magazines. I do not find the idea of cross-nursing to be offensive or weird, but possibly dangerous. Breast milk is a bodily fluid, it is as capable of transmitting disease as blood or semen. Having someone else nurse your baby is akin to allowing a blood transfusion with untested blood. Not everyone that is infected with a disease knows it. Not everyone realizes the danger of disease transmission. Besides disease, breast milk can also be contaminated with any drugs that the woman might be taking. Some of these are dangerous to babies, even with the small amounts that may be delivered through breast milk.
I do not care if someone is your best friend. That does not mean that their milk is safe. It is very easy to pump breast milk and store it for use when you are separated from your baby. In the rare event that a mother does not produce enough milk, formula is a safe alternative, but there are ways to increase milk production. Formula has not always been available. When nursing was the only way to feed a baby, a wet-nurse may have been a necessity. Times have changed. Just as we have to be careful to protect ourselves from communicable diseases, we must also protect our children.
I do seem to be easily riled and appalled lately. This does often happen when I read too much news.
I am a strong advocate for breast-feeding. I nursed both my boys and was very active in La Leche League. I know the benefits of breast milk, I do believe that "breast is best." That said, I am appalled that this practice is being encouraged by parenting magazines. I do not find the idea of cross-nursing to be offensive or weird, but possibly dangerous. Breast milk is a bodily fluid, it is as capable of transmitting disease as blood or semen. Having someone else nurse your baby is akin to allowing a blood transfusion with untested blood. Not everyone that is infected with a disease knows it. Not everyone realizes the danger of disease transmission. Besides disease, breast milk can also be contaminated with any drugs that the woman might be taking. Some of these are dangerous to babies, even with the small amounts that may be delivered through breast milk.
I do not care if someone is your best friend. That does not mean that their milk is safe. It is very easy to pump breast milk and store it for use when you are separated from your baby. In the rare event that a mother does not produce enough milk, formula is a safe alternative, but there are ways to increase milk production. Formula has not always been available. When nursing was the only way to feed a baby, a wet-nurse may have been a necessity. Times have changed. Just as we have to be careful to protect ourselves from communicable diseases, we must also protect our children.
I do seem to be easily riled and appalled lately. This does often happen when I read too much news.
How could this possibly happen?
I was reading the news this morning. One of the headline articles was about a fourteen-year old disabled girl, dying from neglect. Danieal Kelly was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, she was in a wheelchair, she was dependent on the care of others. Her mother totally ignored her and left her to die. She was deprived of food and water, she had open, maggot infested bedsores, she was laying in her own waste. Apparently, she died in 2006. This is only making the news today, because charges have now been filed in her death (two years later). Her mother has been charged with murder, felony charges have also been filed against the DHS case workers that were supposed to be monitoring her welfare and two agency workers that had been hired to provide home visits and care. It appears that both agencies falsified records and reports, rather than provide any services at all.
I work with people with disabilities. I was sickened and upset as I read this article. I cannot imagine the torture that this girl went through. I cannot imagine her final hours of consciousness, as she slipped away, knowing that no one cared. I am not familiar with the services that are available in Pennsylvania, I am assuming that they fall under the auspices of family and human services. The mother is facing the murder charge, and yes she is to blame. But, the case workers are just as guilty of Danieal's murder as her mother. They were aware of the neglect that had been reported, they chose not to act. I am more outraged at their behavior than that of her parents.
Many parents are ill-equipped to care for children with disabilities. They may be incompetent, they may be actually abusive. Providing total care for someone, 24/7 is a daunting task. That is why monitoring and services are available. There have been many strides in securing rights for those with disabilities, attitudes have changed and awareness has increased. But, when this can still happen, not enough has been done. What kind of society are we if cannot protect the most vulnerable of our citizens? Why did it take two years for charges to be filed? Why was there not one person who cared and advocated for Danieal?
I am very aware that parents, and others, who strongly advocate for disabled individuals are labeled as difficult and demanding. Obviously, we need a whole lot more of difficult and demanding people.
I work with people with disabilities. I was sickened and upset as I read this article. I cannot imagine the torture that this girl went through. I cannot imagine her final hours of consciousness, as she slipped away, knowing that no one cared. I am not familiar with the services that are available in Pennsylvania, I am assuming that they fall under the auspices of family and human services. The mother is facing the murder charge, and yes she is to blame. But, the case workers are just as guilty of Danieal's murder as her mother. They were aware of the neglect that had been reported, they chose not to act. I am more outraged at their behavior than that of her parents.
Many parents are ill-equipped to care for children with disabilities. They may be incompetent, they may be actually abusive. Providing total care for someone, 24/7 is a daunting task. That is why monitoring and services are available. There have been many strides in securing rights for those with disabilities, attitudes have changed and awareness has increased. But, when this can still happen, not enough has been done. What kind of society are we if cannot protect the most vulnerable of our citizens? Why did it take two years for charges to be filed? Why was there not one person who cared and advocated for Danieal?
I am very aware that parents, and others, who strongly advocate for disabled individuals are labeled as difficult and demanding. Obviously, we need a whole lot more of difficult and demanding people.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Hijacked
Last month, my computer got hijacked. Either my son or I opened the door to an attack, while surfing the net. It was one of those nasty infiltrators that pops-up and tells you that your computer is infected (all the while knowing that it is the source of the infection). It slowly (actually not so slowly) took over my computer. It turned off my anti-virus software, turned off my automatic updates, and invited all of it's viral friends to a party on my computer. Eventually, it locked me out.
My oldest son is a computer tech. He came over and got me back into the system (twice in one week), but couldn't purge the nasty. So, I did what I always do in that case. I called Chip. He is my computer geek extraordinaire. We have known each other for about 35 years. He is great, he always comes to my rescue and treats me like a paying customer, even though he knows I am a leach. He got back to me almost right away, he picked my computer up a few days later and had it fixed by that evening. He has bailed my cyber-butt out more than once (or twice). When my hard drive crashed, he was able to locate and retrieve my files for school, as well as fix my computer.
I am probably never grateful enough. I probably don't tell him how great he is or how much I love him (and not just for fixing my computer). He is probably one of the nicest guys I know. His wife is a very lucky woman. I know, I am gushing. Yes, this is a shameless attempt to show him my gratitude. I hope he knows that I am sincere. I really try not to take advantage of him, but I know that I do.
Thanks Chip, next time coffee is on me!
My oldest son is a computer tech. He came over and got me back into the system (twice in one week), but couldn't purge the nasty. So, I did what I always do in that case. I called Chip. He is my computer geek extraordinaire. We have known each other for about 35 years. He is great, he always comes to my rescue and treats me like a paying customer, even though he knows I am a leach. He got back to me almost right away, he picked my computer up a few days later and had it fixed by that evening. He has bailed my cyber-butt out more than once (or twice). When my hard drive crashed, he was able to locate and retrieve my files for school, as well as fix my computer.
I am probably never grateful enough. I probably don't tell him how great he is or how much I love him (and not just for fixing my computer). He is probably one of the nicest guys I know. His wife is a very lucky woman. I know, I am gushing. Yes, this is a shameless attempt to show him my gratitude. I hope he knows that I am sincere. I really try not to take advantage of him, but I know that I do.
Thanks Chip, next time coffee is on me!
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