Today is 9/11. Every year, I think about where I was and what I was doing on this day. I think about how I was working at the public library and we stayed open so that people could have access to the internet. I think about how my co-worker went home and got a little television set so we could watch it in the back room. I think about the families and friends of all those people that we lost.
It is not appropriate for me to get on a soap box today but I want to say that I also remember all of those people who have died SINCE 9/11---all the U.S. servicepeople and Iraqi civilians who have died overseas as a result of our President's decision to go after a phantom threat rather than pursue the real perpetrators of our tragedy. The death toll from 9/11 is still mounting. So, I take this day as moment to pause and reflect on what we have lost and what we continue to lose...
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Tell the Truth...
Have you ever heard the expression "Tell the truth and shame the devil?"
I was thinking about that expression this weekend. I saw an ad in a magazine that said, "When a child is born, so is a mother." But there are many other new relationships as well. A father is born. As are a grandmother, aunts and uncles, godparents, siblings etc. Just about everyone gets a new title/identity. So, it's a big change. And that change isn't always easy.
I watched the first season of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES when it came out and I loved the episode where Lynette has a breakdown and her friends go to comfort her. She says that some of them, like Bree, make everything look so easy. Her friends then reveal that they have struggled with parenthood as well. It makes me think. Why do we all feel the need to pretend that everything is perfect? I guess some people are just private and don't feel comfortable about talking about their problems and challenges. But it seemed to me that none of my friends with children told me of any of their difficulties until AFTER I had the baby. And even then, I had to share first. Maybe they didn't want to scare me. But it would have been nice to have friends share their challenges so I wouldn't have felt so alone. Postpartum depression is hard enough. Sometimes, it's nice to know that other people have been where you are. They too have struggled with new family dynamics and going crazy when you child cries nonstop for hours. They too feel a strain on their marriage and worry that they are terrible parents. Why don't people talk about these things?!
So, tell the truth and shame the devil. You just might help someone.
I was thinking about that expression this weekend. I saw an ad in a magazine that said, "When a child is born, so is a mother." But there are many other new relationships as well. A father is born. As are a grandmother, aunts and uncles, godparents, siblings etc. Just about everyone gets a new title/identity. So, it's a big change. And that change isn't always easy.
I watched the first season of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES when it came out and I loved the episode where Lynette has a breakdown and her friends go to comfort her. She says that some of them, like Bree, make everything look so easy. Her friends then reveal that they have struggled with parenthood as well. It makes me think. Why do we all feel the need to pretend that everything is perfect? I guess some people are just private and don't feel comfortable about talking about their problems and challenges. But it seemed to me that none of my friends with children told me of any of their difficulties until AFTER I had the baby. And even then, I had to share first. Maybe they didn't want to scare me. But it would have been nice to have friends share their challenges so I wouldn't have felt so alone. Postpartum depression is hard enough. Sometimes, it's nice to know that other people have been where you are. They too have struggled with new family dynamics and going crazy when you child cries nonstop for hours. They too feel a strain on their marriage and worry that they are terrible parents. Why don't people talk about these things?!
So, tell the truth and shame the devil. You just might help someone.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
For What It's Worth
WARNING: Political Blather Ahead
It's no secret that I am a Democrat. And boy do I have election fever!!! I really enjoyed the Democratic convention. It got me fired up. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have a candidate I can believe in. I wasn't crazy about Kerry but I think Obama could be really great.
Now, I am watching the Republican convention because it is important to be informed. I was looking to Palin's speech because I wanted to get a sense of who she is and what her plans and vision for the nation are. Well, I didn't get that. She is attractive and articulate but her speech was more of a pep rally speech. It got everyone fired up without having any substance. I have no idea where she really stands on issues or what her platform is. All I learned was that she is for drilling in Alaska which CONTINUES our dependence on oil. I also learned about her sweet Down's Syndrome baby and I hope she WOULD have a greater influence on funding for families of special needs children because Republicans don't have a good track record there. They tend to CUT funding for services like that. And then, she flat out lied. She was a PROPONENT of the infamous "bridge to nowhere." The woman is no more qualified to be VP of the United States than Bush was qualified to be President.
I understand that not everyone likes Obama. Okay, that's fine. But how can you be for McCain-Palin? If you have enjoyed the last eight years, then by all means vote for the McCain-Palin ticket. Because you'll be getting more of the same.
End of rant.
It's no secret that I am a Democrat. And boy do I have election fever!!! I really enjoyed the Democratic convention. It got me fired up. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have a candidate I can believe in. I wasn't crazy about Kerry but I think Obama could be really great.
Now, I am watching the Republican convention because it is important to be informed. I was looking to Palin's speech because I wanted to get a sense of who she is and what her plans and vision for the nation are. Well, I didn't get that. She is attractive and articulate but her speech was more of a pep rally speech. It got everyone fired up without having any substance. I have no idea where she really stands on issues or what her platform is. All I learned was that she is for drilling in Alaska which CONTINUES our dependence on oil. I also learned about her sweet Down's Syndrome baby and I hope she WOULD have a greater influence on funding for families of special needs children because Republicans don't have a good track record there. They tend to CUT funding for services like that. And then, she flat out lied. She was a PROPONENT of the infamous "bridge to nowhere." The woman is no more qualified to be VP of the United States than Bush was qualified to be President.
I understand that not everyone likes Obama. Okay, that's fine. But how can you be for McCain-Palin? If you have enjoyed the last eight years, then by all means vote for the McCain-Palin ticket. Because you'll be getting more of the same.
End of rant.
Hatchette USA 10 Book Giveaway
Who doesn't love free books? Literary Feline is hosting a ten-book giveaway over at her blog and the books look great! I'd especially like to get the one about the library cat. Cats and books just go together, don't they?
Anyway, if you'd like to enter the contest, go here.
Anyway, if you'd like to enter the contest, go here.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Labor Day
I spent yesterday reflecting on two things: my own labor day five weeks ago and my return to work. May 18 seems like a LOONNNGGG time ago. I can't believe my baby is almost four months old. I am so blessed that I got to have the time off to spend with him. But I am really sad to have to leave him behind to go to work today. I have a good job with great benefits and I work with really nice people. I'd love to only work part-time however. Being a full-time working mom is going to be really really hard. I am lucky to have my mom nearby to help take care of the baby.
I had a nice weekend. Princess Genevieve came to visit which was fun. I haven't seen her in about two years. I have been doing pretty well with my book-reading and movie-watching. Last movie seen: BOTTLE SHOCK. (I recommend it!) Last book read: MORE THAN IT HURTS YOU. (Not crazy about it...reads like a Patterson "ripped from the headlines" book) Now that I'm back to work, I'll try to blog more often. Hope you are all well!!!
I had a nice weekend. Princess Genevieve came to visit which was fun. I haven't seen her in about two years. I have been doing pretty well with my book-reading and movie-watching. Last movie seen: BOTTLE SHOCK. (I recommend it!) Last book read: MORE THAN IT HURTS YOU. (Not crazy about it...reads like a Patterson "ripped from the headlines" book) Now that I'm back to work, I'll try to blog more often. Hope you are all well!!!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Yikes!!!
My beloved computer is dead. We had a good run, though. I've had it since 2001. And I didn't even start blogging until 2003. So, I'm sorry for my lack of posts. Hopefully, I'll get a new computer soon. Until then...
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Do You Have Obama Fever? (FREEBIE)
I don't want to get too political here but I don't see how there is any choice between Obama and McCain. Can we REALLY see McCain as President of the United States?
Anyway, if you are interested in getting a FREE Obama button, follow this link:
LINK
Anyway, if you are interested in getting a FREE Obama button, follow this link:
LINK
Good Night Sweet Prince
I started attending Renaissance festivals when I was a teenager. My favorite was Scarborough Faire right outside of Dallas. Every year, I looked forward to eating my favorite "faire" foods (such as fried ice cream) and seeing my favorite entertainers. No matter what renaissance festival you attended, you were likely to see the same entertainers since they all worked the same circuit. My personal favorite was the Torysteller but I also dearly loved Puke n' Snot. My good buddy and fellow festival-lover, Amy, sent me an article a few days ago announcing the untimely demise of our beloved Snot.
ARTICLE LINK
We always thought he was so handsome and dashing! Way getter than the jousting knights that most women seemed to go gaga over. This really makes me sad. It's as if part of my youth has gone away. It has been awhile since I've been to a Renaissance festival. I guess I went to one about five years ago in Colorado. I miss it. It was a chance to eat, drink and be merry and even get dressed up occasionally. I need to find one here in California so that I can take my baby someday. But it won't be the same without our beloved Snot.
ARTICLE LINK
We always thought he was so handsome and dashing! Way getter than the jousting knights that most women seemed to go gaga over. This really makes me sad. It's as if part of my youth has gone away. It has been awhile since I've been to a Renaissance festival. I guess I went to one about five years ago in Colorado. I miss it. It was a chance to eat, drink and be merry and even get dressed up occasionally. I need to find one here in California so that I can take my baby someday. But it won't be the same without our beloved Snot.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
New TV Watching
With the late-night feedings, I have been discovering new television shows to watch. Gary and I have gotten addicted to two show in particular: "Mad Men" and "Swingtown." I think that I especially enjoy the attention to detail in both of the shows. "Mad Men" is an AMC show and takes place at an ad agency in 1960. I love the clothes! However, the sexism (and smoking!) can be hard to take. "Swingtown" is a network show on Friday nights and takes place in 1976. The writing is clever and I find it hard to believe that I was one-year-old when all of that was taking place. Both are terrific shows!
We are also anxiously awaiting our Netflix of the second season of "Dexter." Who knew a show with a serial killer protagonist could be so compelling and enjoyable?
(By the way, I just finished TEN DAYS IN THE HILLS by Jane Smiley. She is a terrific writer. I was pleasantly surprised. The book takes place over a period of ten days following the beginning of the current Iraq war. I had lots of thoughts about "if we knew then what we know now..." Good read.)
We are also anxiously awaiting our Netflix of the second season of "Dexter." Who knew a show with a serial killer protagonist could be so compelling and enjoyable?
(By the way, I just finished TEN DAYS IN THE HILLS by Jane Smiley. She is a terrific writer. I was pleasantly surprised. The book takes place over a period of ten days following the beginning of the current Iraq war. I had lots of thoughts about "if we knew then what we know now..." Good read.)
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