Category: General

I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t vote for Obama. It wasn’t because I didn’t think this country needed change, or even a swift kick in the butt to get us back on track, but because if there is one thing American people DON’T need at this point is being forced to pay more taxes.

And the Democrats like to raise taxes. At least, historically speaking.

So no, I didn’t want that. The husband ran some numbers and last year he calculated we gave a little over half of our annual earnings to the government (federal, state, sales, property, etc).

Over half, folks. That’s completely unacceptable in my book.

And there are several other Democratic issues that I don’t agree with but this post is not about those issues, or about airing my political grievances, this post is about supporting our new president.

I don’t have to tell you how historic today is. Today, and the events of the next four (eight?) years will be printed in future history books. Our grandchildren will read about Obama and his (hopefully) successful run as our 44th president. Because however you might personally feel about our new president-elect, he is now our leader and we must help him achieve the country’s goals.

Because if we hope to solve our problems, if we dream of becoming a better nation, then we must work together to make that happen.

This is not a time for petty arguments. This is not a time for power plays. Our country is hurting. We need to help people get back to work. So they can pay taxes. And stimulate our economy by purchasing goods …

Well, you know the spiel.

In a lot of ways, I feel sorry for Obama and his lovely family. So many people are pinning so much hope on this lone man that I can’t imagine the pressure he must be under to meet those expectations. Every single move he makes will be scruintized and criticized. Every word he speaks will be analyzed and taken out of context to suit special interests groups. He will constantly be on the defensive and the vultures will gleefully dive in and pick him apart at the first sign of weakness or failure.

*sigh*

Poor guy.

Though I don’t agree with Obama’s politics, I like the man. I admire his commitment to his family. And I look up to Mrs. Obama, she’s so classy, intelligent and articulate. I pray that Obama’s term in office is kind to him and his family. I pray that it doesn’t drive them apart or weaken their family bond.

I ran across this letter that President-Elect Obama wrote in Parade Magazine to his daughters. THIS is the biggest reason why I like this man – his devotion to his family.

‘What I Want for You — and Every Child in America’
By President-elect Barack Obama
Publication Date: 01/14/2009

Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you’ve both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn’t have let you have. But I also know that it hasn’t always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn’t make up for all the time we’ve been apart. I know how much I’ve missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn’t seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that’s why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren’t rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you’ll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country-but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free-that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better-and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It’s a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you’ve had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That’s why I’ve taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad

Good luck and God bless, Mr. President.

See these beautiful scarves?

scarves1, originally uploaded by PaceGuy.

These scarves are just another reason why I adore my mother. She has a kind and generous heart and loves to donate her time and energies to good causes.

My mom made these scarves and donated them to the Special Olympics. Wouldn’t it be cool to see one of these special people wearing one of my mom’s special scarves?

Thanks for your generosity, mom. I’m sure they will love them.

This is what happens when I try and coordinate with other people. *grin* In fact, the Beaker who catches his violin on fire? Yeah, that would be me.

I’m a team player, as long as everyone does what I want them to do. LOL

What about you? Are you team player? Or do you prefer to go solo?

Me? Solo, all the way.

I’m not painting a very flattering picture of myself, am I.

So I heard on the radio last week that there’s a proposed bill on the floor banning hand-held cell phones in Missouri.

Dear God above, please let it pass.

And no, I’m not trying to be sarcastic, I truly hope it passes. There are bad drivers everywhere, but here in SW Missouri? I think we’ve gotten more than our fair share. In fact, you could skim the top of the bad driver cream, I’m betting you, most of them would be from Missouri. Some of the stupid stunts people do just to save a few seconds nowadays … *shakes head* it truly amazes me.

And I can’t tell you the number of people I’ve had to swerve by, or slam my brakes for, who have been absolutely clueless to my existence because they were too busy yapping nonsense.

Truly. I should keep count. In fact, I think I’ll start carving tally marks in my dashboard just to prove my point.

Of course, even if they pass the law and they ban hand-held devices, there will still be jerks out there doing the same sorts of things like this guy.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

This wouldn’t be so funny if it weren’t ACCURATE.

Seriously. Have you HEARD about voice mail? It’s a handy device that records messages when you can’t talk on the phone, you know, like when you’re driving and responsible for not only your own safety, but those in the car with you as well as those around you on the road.

It’s pretty cool. Check it out.

Update: 10:07 p.m.: We watched Journey to the Center of the Earth. As predicted, it was pretty lame. We just finished watching Hancock and all I will say is, “Will Smith is freaking hot!”

We’re taking a short break and then we’ll watch the grand finale – The Dark Knight. The boys are really looking forward to watching that one. I plan on taking a break and taping a short video around midnight and then if I’m awake after the movie, I’ll write a short note about any resolutions I might, or might not, make. Stay tuned 😀

Update 2: 12:56 a.m.: We finished The Dark Knight and it was … dark. I think the boys really enjoyed it. The husband snoozed through most of it. Heath Ledger did not disappoint and it makes me even more sad that he’s not around to enjoy his success.

No video. I’m just too tuckered out to push the play button and then upload the sucker. But I’m sure you’re not all that disappointed anyway. *grin*

My number one resolution this year? To get my writing published. I’m ready. I will BE ready. This will be an exciting year for me, professionally.

Thank you for sticking around. I look forward to spending 2009 with you!

Yes, you read that correctly, we are currently under a tornado watch. In fact, we are about to be pummeled by an impending storm:

Our temperature is currently 65 degrees.

In December.

Crazy, right?

Not if you live in Missouri.

The storm is moving pretty fast, heading northeast and should be here in about an hour – it’s also growing. Swell.

The temperatures are expected to drop to the mid-20’s tonight and then back up to 50 degrees and sunny tomorrow. Missouri weather is on a constant yo-yo ride.

However, before you can blame Global Warming consider this: Missouri has had tornado outbreaks in December in 1957, ’66, and ’82.

Weather is cyclical. Why do I bring this up? Because I get so tired of people freaking out thinking the current weather patterns are a sign the Earth is dying. Humans are such peons in the overall scheme of things. How arrogant of us to think otherwise.