I am on the Webb for VP bandwagon. Obviously, Obama should choose a running mate based on who he feels comfortable, has needed experience and will serve him loyally. During the campaign, I was absolutely, 100% against Clinton being Obama's running mate. I see her a bit more softly now. Even while criticizing her, I have been hoping she would generously and humbly concede when she in fact concedes. If she admits that Obama won this primary, it will go a long way to mending my relationship with her. I know she is real concerned about our relationship - NOT.
What I am saying is if she is willing to concede she may not be the self-serving, Rovian page book borrower that I thought in the heat of the campaign. In that event, she may not try to undermine Obama at every turn as a Vice President. If I could believe that then I believe she might make an excellent VP selection (just dont tell my dad I said that- I might get kicked out of the family).
Finally, I dont think Obama should be pressured to pick anyone, so while I support Sen. Webb, I know I dont have a vote in that decision until well after it is made.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Buddy the dog
Our dog is sick, so sick we didnt even care that it would cost an arm and a leg. He has allergies- always has, so he frequently is scratching himself. But when he started getting a runny nose and sore joints, we had to take him to the vet. He has a 105 degree temp, he could barely walk and had awful skin issues on his tail. Poor dog. The vet was real worried about him, which made us freak out more too. The antibiotics, IV fluids and other treatment turned him around quickly. He tested positive for a tick borne disease which in dogs are relatively easy to treat. The deterioration happened so quickly- on Wednesday he was fine, by last night we thought we should take him into the emergency vet. We waited till morning and took him to our vet. He has to be quiet this weekend, and if he doesnt stop scratching he has to wear boxer shorts (so far, so good though). I wouldnt have imagined such a quick turnaround, but he even jumped on the bed to sleep tonight, this morning he couldnt walk. Phew.
New firm - so refreshing
Working in an office is so good. This week because of the heat one member of the firm whipped up a tuna salad for the rest of us so we wouldnt have to venture into the heat to get lunch. How nice. I am constantly grateful for the interaction with people, the conversation range from silly to serious and are respectful.
The last time I started at a brand new job it was 8/27/2001. Two weeks later, Sept. 11, happened and I sat aghast as the staff used racial epithets in front of me. I firmly (but carefully since I didnt know them) told them not to use that language in front of me. I ended up being the target of the staff after that episode- I was grateful to leave that awful environment. I feel pretty fortunate not to have been offended or offended anyone in the past five weeks. w00t
The firm I work with is so refreshing and a welcome change from my previous isolation.
The last time I started at a brand new job it was 8/27/2001. Two weeks later, Sept. 11, happened and I sat aghast as the staff used racial epithets in front of me. I firmly (but carefully since I didnt know them) told them not to use that language in front of me. I ended up being the target of the staff after that episode- I was grateful to leave that awful environment. I feel pretty fortunate not to have been offended or offended anyone in the past five weeks. w00t
The firm I work with is so refreshing and a welcome change from my previous isolation.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
parents as grandparents
My parents are so different as grandparents. Things are a lot more secure for them than they ever were while my brother and I were growing up, so obviously that helps. But being around them, I get the distinct impression that the joys of grandparenthood are the hidden secrets of parenthood. I say this as my boys eat plain pasta and veggies for dinner (parent of the year here).
David will be 5 this week- Andrew will be 4 in a month. I am the luckiest mom around because my mom and Pauline take such pleasure in babysitting my boys three days a week. The really awesome part is how excited the boys are to spend time at grandma's house- every week, three times a week. When the boys were younger, someone told me that mothers really suffered from the mobility of the nuclear family- no longer were we so close to a family support network. In my case, I am in 100% agreement. My family has been able to thrive as a result of my mother's sincere desire to spend a lot of quality time with my children.
Now my dad is moving to Texas for at the most 5 or 6 years. Never mind my own denial and sadness. My dad, living in Baltimore for the past decade or so, has visited at least once a month, or more, since the children were born. His wife, "grandma' Sherry is a favorite of the boys too since she plays computer games with them and has an seemingly boundless amount of energy to play with them. The boys love it when they come visit- so much so, that David just assumes we are going to Texas with them when Grandpa and 'grandma' Sherry move there. David likes the idea of traveling by plane to Texas too, in congruent thoughts but he is only 4 still.
I leave out Chris' family in this discussion but I dont mean to suggest they are irrelevant- Chris's mom frequently brings my boy's cousins to play and plans her days off to coincide with time she can help us out and spend quality time with the boys all this while living three hours away.
Finally, my parents do not seem old at all to me (their bdays are this month too-nor are they imho). I remember vividly thinking my grandparents were elderly. I get the distinct impression my children dont think of my parents (or Chris' mom) as elderly because of the very active and important role they have played in their upbringing. Of course, some day when the children are older, they will tell me their impressions (as my brother and I constantly amaze my parents with our impressions). Today I know they are so loved and engaged by their grandparents- and obviously I am very grateful.
David will be 5 this week- Andrew will be 4 in a month. I am the luckiest mom around because my mom and Pauline take such pleasure in babysitting my boys three days a week. The really awesome part is how excited the boys are to spend time at grandma's house- every week, three times a week. When the boys were younger, someone told me that mothers really suffered from the mobility of the nuclear family- no longer were we so close to a family support network. In my case, I am in 100% agreement. My family has been able to thrive as a result of my mother's sincere desire to spend a lot of quality time with my children.
Now my dad is moving to Texas for at the most 5 or 6 years. Never mind my own denial and sadness. My dad, living in Baltimore for the past decade or so, has visited at least once a month, or more, since the children were born. His wife, "grandma' Sherry is a favorite of the boys too since she plays computer games with them and has an seemingly boundless amount of energy to play with them. The boys love it when they come visit- so much so, that David just assumes we are going to Texas with them when Grandpa and 'grandma' Sherry move there. David likes the idea of traveling by plane to Texas too, in congruent thoughts but he is only 4 still.
I leave out Chris' family in this discussion but I dont mean to suggest they are irrelevant- Chris's mom frequently brings my boy's cousins to play and plans her days off to coincide with time she can help us out and spend quality time with the boys all this while living three hours away.
Finally, my parents do not seem old at all to me (their bdays are this month too-nor are they imho). I remember vividly thinking my grandparents were elderly. I get the distinct impression my children dont think of my parents (or Chris' mom) as elderly because of the very active and important role they have played in their upbringing. Of course, some day when the children are older, they will tell me their impressions (as my brother and I constantly amaze my parents with our impressions). Today I know they are so loved and engaged by their grandparents- and obviously I am very grateful.
Turn VA BLUE!! Obama in Prince William Thursday
Virginia is in Play- we should get used to going places in Virginia and supporting the Democratic nominee for President!
From the Obama Campaign:
Please join Barack Obama for a Rally in Prince William County, where he'll talk about his vision for bringing America together and creating the kind of change we can believe in.
Rally with Barack Obama
Nissan Pavilion
7800 Cellar Door Drive
Bristow, VA
Thursday, June 5th
Doors Open: 3:00 p.m.
Program Starts: 6:00 p.m.
http://va.barackobama.com/bristow
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged (use link above). Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners permitted. No outside food or drinks are permitted on property, with the exception of clear and sealed water bottles.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you cannot make it to this event but would still like to support Barack, you can make a donation here:
https://donate.barackobama.com/wecan
From the Obama Campaign:
Please join Barack Obama for a Rally in Prince William County, where he'll talk about his vision for bringing America together and creating the kind of change we can believe in.
Rally with Barack Obama
Nissan Pavilion
7800 Cellar Door Drive
Bristow, VA
Thursday, June 5th
Doors Open: 3:00 p.m.
Program Starts: 6:00 p.m.
http://va.barackobama.com/bristow
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged (use link above). Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners permitted. No outside food or drinks are permitted on property, with the exception of clear and sealed water bottles.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you cannot make it to this event but would still like to support Barack, you can make a donation here:
https://donate.barackobama.com/wecan
Sunday, June 01, 2008
New RPV Chair
Waldo's take on the Republican Party of Virginia squabble is biting. This weekends convention helped solidify the RPV intent on becoming irrelevant to a majority of Virginians and helping me elect more Democrats. Thanks.
The Virginia Republican seems to be promoting the opposite of what the Sorenson program seeks to do: promote dialogue bipartisan(ly) so that we can be pragmatic in finding solutions to Virginia's problems.
The Virginia Republican seems to be promoting the opposite of what the Sorenson program seeks to do: promote dialogue bipartisan(ly) so that we can be pragmatic in finding solutions to Virginia's problems.
This evening (6/1/08) Event
Tonight in Scottsville- the Hackensaw Boys and Sons of Bill are playing in Dorrier Park. Its free. For more information- check out this website.
This is quite a lineup for a free concert. The only problem I have is that it is a long drive and it is Sunday. Tune in to see whether I actually go, and if you go, tell me about it or say hey.
This is quite a lineup for a free concert. The only problem I have is that it is a long drive and it is Sunday. Tune in to see whether I actually go, and if you go, tell me about it or say hey.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
musings, with no links too lazy
Today I graduated from Leadership Cville. I hope people in our community will consider applying for it. One of the fellows in the last year’s Sorenson Class (documented by Across the Aisle), is this year’s Chamber’s Small Business Man of the Year recipient- Grant Tate. I have had the honor of knowing Grant Tate casually for about a year, I am more familiar with others in his organization Bridge, LTD- Jennifer Till and Connie Brennan. I particularly appreciated his comment (because they awards are always a surprise) “now I know why my brother flew into town” so cute and honest. I appreciate that about Grant and his team.
I celebrated JustChildren’s 10th bday last night at the old Michie building. The program at the Legal Aid Justice Center is remarkable, and involves any educational related legal issues. Congratulations to JustChildren and LAJC.
"Across the Aisle" appeared on PBS last night as I mentioned I was at a bday party so I only had a chance to watch the last fifteen minutes. The program was well done and I look forward to see the whole thing soon.
On the tv front, I haven’t watched General hospital in months- is that progress? I barely keep up with the show online, I also barely watch anything except ten oclock news, Frazier and Seinfeld as I am falling asleep. Although this evening I did get sucked into the Lost finale- I do follow that online, particularly the WaPo’s Lost chats, and btw wtf? This show is unbelieveable. Oh my goodness, that ending was completely unexpected.
Chris is setting up the directv for our annual Tour de France three week marathon. It was nice of the WaPo to write about cycling today- about the performance enhancing drugs and David Millar, reformed doper.
I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea- I look forward to a good night sleep soon, I told Chris that it feels so dumb to expect sleep to make me feel less tired- it just doesn’t, and I have no way of feeling less tired until the c-pap makes an appearance in my house.
I celebrated JustChildren’s 10th bday last night at the old Michie building. The program at the Legal Aid Justice Center is remarkable, and involves any educational related legal issues. Congratulations to JustChildren and LAJC.
"Across the Aisle" appeared on PBS last night as I mentioned I was at a bday party so I only had a chance to watch the last fifteen minutes. The program was well done and I look forward to see the whole thing soon.
On the tv front, I haven’t watched General hospital in months- is that progress? I barely keep up with the show online, I also barely watch anything except ten oclock news, Frazier and Seinfeld as I am falling asleep. Although this evening I did get sucked into the Lost finale- I do follow that online, particularly the WaPo’s Lost chats, and btw wtf? This show is unbelieveable. Oh my goodness, that ending was completely unexpected.
Chris is setting up the directv for our annual Tour de France three week marathon. It was nice of the WaPo to write about cycling today- about the performance enhancing drugs and David Millar, reformed doper.
I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea- I look forward to a good night sleep soon, I told Chris that it feels so dumb to expect sleep to make me feel less tired- it just doesn’t, and I have no way of feeling less tired until the c-pap makes an appearance in my house.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Self-serving
We know the Clintons very well- from the 8 years in office and the middle of the night move to NY to run for Senate and finally Hillary's run for President. I feel like the past 16 years have provided a window into the type of person Hillary is.
Hillary- we know its not about getting the votes counted, its about you breaking the rules, not following the rules after you agreed to them and then crying sexism and foul when the DNC/state parties couldnt find a way to manipulate those FL and MI votes so that you would win. At this point, it would be difficult to convince me she has anything but her own self-interest, not her supporters, the party and certainly not the people who stayed home on their primary day in MI and FL because they KNEW their votes wouldnt count.
At least CNN no longer has the story as a headline. Perhaps this is just her way of showing that she is a fighter as she negotiates with Obama to bow out of the race. I really hope that is the case, because I dont want to think the worst about her. I look forward to this primary season being over.
Hillary- we know its not about getting the votes counted, its about you breaking the rules, not following the rules after you agreed to them and then crying sexism and foul when the DNC/state parties couldnt find a way to manipulate those FL and MI votes so that you would win. At this point, it would be difficult to convince me she has anything but her own self-interest, not her supporters, the party and certainly not the people who stayed home on their primary day in MI and FL because they KNEW their votes wouldnt count.
At least CNN no longer has the story as a headline. Perhaps this is just her way of showing that she is a fighter as she negotiates with Obama to bow out of the race. I really hope that is the case, because I dont want to think the worst about her. I look forward to this primary season being over.
Sleeping health
Prior to starting Sorenson, I worried about having a roommate overnight in the hotel on the weekends because of my unladylike snoring. My husband complains occassionally so I know it is not a pleasant thing. Well my roommate that first weekend was surprised and unpleasantly so. Of course I am embarrassed and mildly concerned. I decide I should definitely pay the extra money for a single hotel room so as not to disrupt others sleep.
Shortly after that weekend, I participated in the MS Walk- the team leader is a doctor, who is heading to a 'sleep' fellowship in Durham next year (I learned as we walked). I give her my symptoms and she calmly warns me I need to get checked out because people with Sleep Apnea are at higher risk of strokes, heart attacks and all those really worrisome things.
So I go to my primary care physician (who is a nurse practicioner in a large practice- but to me he is a doctor). He refers me to a sleep study because of my symptoms (headache in the morning, chronic fatigue, moodiness, naps etc). Last night was the sleep study.
I got a lot of wires attached to me- its a comfortable room- like a hospital room with the tv that swings from the wall. I fall asleep around 11:30. In order to be diagnosed with apnea one has to have 15 obstructions an hour, according to Helen my nurse- that sounds like a lot to me, so I doubt I will have it. If a patient has the requisite symptoms of apnea, the nurse will put a c-pap machine on the patient, to see if that will alleviate the apnea. The c-pap is a very romantic machine that one wears over her head and puts over her nose and air blows into the nose and somehow manages to trick the brain into not obsructing.
After an hour and a half, the nurse came in to tell me I wasnt sleeping and she put the c-pap on me. I guess I have apnea. I slept well the rest of the night despite having a million wires hanging from me and adjusting to the air blowing into my nose.
Helen told me that I was dreaming for a very long time and she tried to wait till the end of my dream before waking me up (isnt that nice?). I wont get my own c-pap for a few weeks. The doctors will review the results of the study and prescribe a c-pap.
This may be more than you ever wanted to know about me, but something I want to emphasize to stress the importance of treatment since the effects can be bad, and the treatment fairly simple. Finally- I want to say the symptoms for apnea mirror the symptoms for depression- if you snore, stop breathing during sleep, need to take a nap during the day or always feel tired, well it could be apnea and I recommend talking to your doctor about both depression and apnea. My nurse said it best "you wont be moody anymore," my relief was palpable. It just doesnt feel good to be tired all the time.
By the way, apnea is hereditary. I appreciate my Sorenson experience that first weekend, even if embarrassing, it has led to this optimistic prognosis for my fatigue and headaches.
Shortly after that weekend, I participated in the MS Walk- the team leader is a doctor, who is heading to a 'sleep' fellowship in Durham next year (I learned as we walked). I give her my symptoms and she calmly warns me I need to get checked out because people with Sleep Apnea are at higher risk of strokes, heart attacks and all those really worrisome things.
So I go to my primary care physician (who is a nurse practicioner in a large practice- but to me he is a doctor). He refers me to a sleep study because of my symptoms (headache in the morning, chronic fatigue, moodiness, naps etc). Last night was the sleep study.
I got a lot of wires attached to me- its a comfortable room- like a hospital room with the tv that swings from the wall. I fall asleep around 11:30. In order to be diagnosed with apnea one has to have 15 obstructions an hour, according to Helen my nurse- that sounds like a lot to me, so I doubt I will have it. If a patient has the requisite symptoms of apnea, the nurse will put a c-pap machine on the patient, to see if that will alleviate the apnea. The c-pap is a very romantic machine that one wears over her head and puts over her nose and air blows into the nose and somehow manages to trick the brain into not obsructing.
After an hour and a half, the nurse came in to tell me I wasnt sleeping and she put the c-pap on me. I guess I have apnea. I slept well the rest of the night despite having a million wires hanging from me and adjusting to the air blowing into my nose.
Helen told me that I was dreaming for a very long time and she tried to wait till the end of my dream before waking me up (isnt that nice?). I wont get my own c-pap for a few weeks. The doctors will review the results of the study and prescribe a c-pap.
This may be more than you ever wanted to know about me, but something I want to emphasize to stress the importance of treatment since the effects can be bad, and the treatment fairly simple. Finally- I want to say the symptoms for apnea mirror the symptoms for depression- if you snore, stop breathing during sleep, need to take a nap during the day or always feel tired, well it could be apnea and I recommend talking to your doctor about both depression and apnea. My nurse said it best "you wont be moody anymore," my relief was palpable. It just doesnt feel good to be tired all the time.
By the way, apnea is hereditary. I appreciate my Sorenson experience that first weekend, even if embarrassing, it has led to this optimistic prognosis for my fatigue and headaches.
Dont worry i wont buy it right now
Since I bought my IPOD, I am no longer allowed to purchase things- reasonable since first paycheck doesnt equal black balance sheet- oh well (food notwithstanding).
Because I researched my Ipod purchase, I have all sorts of new recommendations on my Amazon page. One of the recommendations is this fun game (Dance Revolution Hottest Party Bundle, with dance mats) made for Wii.
When I saw the movie Baby Mama, I mentioned it was a long commercial for Karaoke Revolution- thankfully I didnt purchase that game (I dont really care about singing).
But Dancing sounds like fun. I cant dance to save my life, but in the privacy of my living room, with the boys laughing and the dog barking, it could be fun and a little bit of exercise that I cant seem to get to.
It is expensive so I wont be making an impulse purchase- I cant imagine regularly playing the game. Already I dont play the Wii games as much as I thought I would, even though we have fun games.
So I will wait, and perhaps by my fifth or sixth paycheck (or add ten), if I am still interested I will discuss it with Chris and make a reasonable decision. :)
Because I researched my Ipod purchase, I have all sorts of new recommendations on my Amazon page. One of the recommendations is this fun game (Dance Revolution Hottest Party Bundle, with dance mats) made for Wii.
When I saw the movie Baby Mama, I mentioned it was a long commercial for Karaoke Revolution- thankfully I didnt purchase that game (I dont really care about singing).
But Dancing sounds like fun. I cant dance to save my life, but in the privacy of my living room, with the boys laughing and the dog barking, it could be fun and a little bit of exercise that I cant seem to get to.
It is expensive so I wont be making an impulse purchase- I cant imagine regularly playing the game. Already I dont play the Wii games as much as I thought I would, even though we have fun games.
So I will wait, and perhaps by my fifth or sixth paycheck (or add ten), if I am still interested I will discuss it with Chris and make a reasonable decision. :)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
muddled thoughts on local govt
I appreciate Council providing an outlet for people to express their views for and against the preferred alternative of the water plan. In the end, I hope we can move forward with an elongated time line for the preferred alternative and determine whether dredging options are actually cheaper.
Kevin Lynch makes a good point- one which I am unable to refute- Council approved of this plan because they were repeatedly told the dredging options were prohibitively expensive (and it was too difficult to get rid of the material, hence the expense). Turns out the dredging options may not have been so expensive.
When one doesnt have the accurate facts its impossible to make an appropriate decision. This city is blessed with wonderfully smart people- yet we cant agree on what facts to use? Mayor Norris is correct, we must compare apples to apples with this water supply mess.
At the same time when do we as a community decide?
When do we decide on the MeadowCreek PKWY? Did we already decide? It's just not clear based on the recent decisions. Also what about the neighborhood appeal of the BAR Fried decision? When will there be a decision on it?
Recently sidewalks were constructed on Calhoun Street. The neighborhood is very grateful- but when was that decided and how? For example, how should other neighborhoods go about getting additional sidewalks in their neighborhoods (ps- why are any streets in cville being built without sidewalks? all new streets should be required to have sidewalks)? Last time a remarkably similar issue was before Council, Council opted not to take any action- yet less than a year later there are new sidewalks? Thank you, but how can we replicate the process if there is no apparent process?
Leadership means making hard decisions, even unpopular decisions. I believe the Councilors are being purposefully deliberative so that they can have all the information to make the decision. I hope they have the information to make a decision on June 2.
Kevin Lynch makes a good point- one which I am unable to refute- Council approved of this plan because they were repeatedly told the dredging options were prohibitively expensive (and it was too difficult to get rid of the material, hence the expense). Turns out the dredging options may not have been so expensive.
When one doesnt have the accurate facts its impossible to make an appropriate decision. This city is blessed with wonderfully smart people- yet we cant agree on what facts to use? Mayor Norris is correct, we must compare apples to apples with this water supply mess.
At the same time when do we as a community decide?
When do we decide on the MeadowCreek PKWY? Did we already decide? It's just not clear based on the recent decisions. Also what about the neighborhood appeal of the BAR Fried decision? When will there be a decision on it?
Recently sidewalks were constructed on Calhoun Street. The neighborhood is very grateful- but when was that decided and how? For example, how should other neighborhoods go about getting additional sidewalks in their neighborhoods (ps- why are any streets in cville being built without sidewalks? all new streets should be required to have sidewalks)? Last time a remarkably similar issue was before Council, Council opted not to take any action- yet less than a year later there are new sidewalks? Thank you, but how can we replicate the process if there is no apparent process?
Leadership means making hard decisions, even unpopular decisions. I believe the Councilors are being purposefully deliberative so that they can have all the information to make the decision. I hope they have the information to make a decision on June 2.
Monday, May 19, 2008
notes on public hearing on water supply
1. Gary starts for background. 2004- ten comm meetings, 2 year process, approved by all. Permits have beem applied. Feedback to build on work session to build from.
2. Judy Mueller hopefully you came to the work session where subject was studied in depth. see the slide show with a lot of numbers, talking fast. what to do the material you dredge is important to her. Preferred alt stays in watershed, innovative, won't silt in and has an excellent mitigation. more support for the approvd plan. b back later...
2. Judy Mueller hopefully you came to the work session where subject was studied in depth. see the slide show with a lot of numbers, talking fast. what to do the material you dredge is important to her. Preferred alt stays in watershed, innovative, won't silt in and has an excellent mitigation. more support for the approvd plan. b back later...
YMCA LOCATION
At Council tonight. Lots of people here to discuss the water plan, I am here to support the plan for the YMCA created by an open and thorough, community driven process with the shortened timeline. This plan is far superior to the default location in the contract. I am supporting the process.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
excuses, excuses...
Wow- those Clinton supporters are brutal- suddenly in the last two days crying sexism- not from the Obama campaign, because they cant point to anything there, but at the media. Of course, the Clinton supporters choose to target the Obama campaign- not Republicans the real anti-women/sexist group.
What is the problem? I am a woman, I recognize my own biases and certainly that of others, sexism is alive and well. I am proud that Hillary is a strong female candidate. I just dont agree with her.
The argument that if I dont agree with her, then I disagree with the Democratic party is specious at best and dangerous at worst. As all of us know about the 'big tent' that is the party, and my favorite 'dissent is the highest form of patriotism" I disagree regularly with the party and my fellow party members. I am kind of proud of my dissent/disagreeable nature (just kidding). How does change happen- people not agreeing and working together for a common end. Because Hillary honestly believes it is her way or the highway and uses mean-spirited, Rovian tactics to get her way. That is too close to the current administration for my comfort.
I support Obama- he is a male (forgive him for all the advantages conveyed to him as a result- oh wait...) but his message more closely reflects my own wishes for this country, while the policy is remarkably similar to Hillary- in that contest it has nothing to do with male/female but business as usual v. change.
What is the problem? I am a woman, I recognize my own biases and certainly that of others, sexism is alive and well. I am proud that Hillary is a strong female candidate. I just dont agree with her.
The argument that if I dont agree with her, then I disagree with the Democratic party is specious at best and dangerous at worst. As all of us know about the 'big tent' that is the party, and my favorite 'dissent is the highest form of patriotism" I disagree regularly with the party and my fellow party members. I am kind of proud of my dissent/disagreeable nature (just kidding). How does change happen- people not agreeing and working together for a common end. Because Hillary honestly believes it is her way or the highway and uses mean-spirited, Rovian tactics to get her way. That is too close to the current administration for my comfort.
I support Obama- he is a male (forgive him for all the advantages conveyed to him as a result- oh wait...) but his message more closely reflects my own wishes for this country, while the policy is remarkably similar to Hillary- in that contest it has nothing to do with male/female but business as usual v. change.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Yeah John Edwards!
Two reasons I support Obama, one is John Edwards dropped out of the race. So it is a happy day today that Edwards has seen Obama's campaign as bold. Edwards believes too. I was also grateful that Clinton said it would be a big mistake for her supporters to vote for McCain- I didnt know whether she would be able to say it and I appreciate her support for party unity.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Bipartisanship or something like that?
I have been mulling over the experience I had this past weekend at Sorenson. While I learned a great deal from the program (agriculture and negotiating public policy), I have found a few issues-
1. As all of you know I support Creigh Deeds. He has been a mentor and an inspiration to me. I admire his determination and intellect and his absolute commitment to serving all Virginians. I am not working for Senator Deeds, I will try to help him win by talking to people, raising money and blogging about him.
I find my competitive spirit towards those favoring Senator Deeds' opponent hindering my relationships with them. Its unfortunate because this bad feeling I have will be what is left (in the Party) after this bruising primary is over NEXT YEAR.
2. Attempting to overcome my utter repulsiveness towards those supporting the so-called Marriage Amendment, I sought out a classmate to assist. Needless to say, it did not go well.
SO here it is- three months into the program, I love it-but man I am uncomfortable. I suppose one has to be uncomfortable to learn. Is anyone else "learning", is this the way it is supposed to be?
1. As all of you know I support Creigh Deeds. He has been a mentor and an inspiration to me. I admire his determination and intellect and his absolute commitment to serving all Virginians. I am not working for Senator Deeds, I will try to help him win by talking to people, raising money and blogging about him.
I find my competitive spirit towards those favoring Senator Deeds' opponent hindering my relationships with them. Its unfortunate because this bad feeling I have will be what is left (in the Party) after this bruising primary is over NEXT YEAR.
2. Attempting to overcome my utter repulsiveness towards those supporting the so-called Marriage Amendment, I sought out a classmate to assist. Needless to say, it did not go well.
SO here it is- three months into the program, I love it-but man I am uncomfortable. I suppose one has to be uncomfortable to learn. Is anyone else "learning", is this the way it is supposed to be?
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Bush/Hager wedding
Congratulations to the newlyweds! I am impressed with the dignity they have held themselves to over the past few months leading up to the wedding. They are both level headed, good people- marriage is hard for even the most level headed around us- so perserverance and commitment remain the fountain for marriage.
At the Stonewall Jackson hotel this afternoon we saw the preparation for the most gorgeous looking reception. The event was quite a to-do= with the lime centerpieces with sticks hanging out of them- I am sure they were not sticks, but it kind of had that notion to it. The chairs all had...this is where I am deficient as a girl, I have no idea what to call these things- maybe covers- white with a green bow on the back- every single one. It looked nice, but I kept thinking- what if there was no bow? How much more did that cost? And the cake- wow it was spectacular looking- five layers, green studded- it looked like jewels were encrusted in the cake. The family was staying at the hotel and they were having a good time, which is all that matters oh and they actually get married.
To the Hagers- Cville will see you next weekend at Henry's graduation! Two events in two weekends- how exciting, or are you skipping the walk on the lawn for your honeymoon?
At the Stonewall Jackson hotel this afternoon we saw the preparation for the most gorgeous looking reception. The event was quite a to-do= with the lime centerpieces with sticks hanging out of them- I am sure they were not sticks, but it kind of had that notion to it. The chairs all had...this is where I am deficient as a girl, I have no idea what to call these things- maybe covers- white with a green bow on the back- every single one. It looked nice, but I kept thinking- what if there was no bow? How much more did that cost? And the cake- wow it was spectacular looking- five layers, green studded- it looked like jewels were encrusted in the cake. The family was staying at the hotel and they were having a good time, which is all that matters oh and they actually get married.
To the Hagers- Cville will see you next weekend at Henry's graduation! Two events in two weekends- how exciting, or are you skipping the walk on the lawn for your honeymoon?
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Giro starts today in Italy
Danilo Di Luca is the favorite to win again this year. something about that guy I dont trust. Anyway- in the cycling news article- Contador looks to be a favorite, especially since his team Astana has been uninvited to the Tour. In the article, Contador is described as having great domestiques- Levi Leipheimer and Andreas Kloden. Those two are team leaders in their own right so its amusing to hear them described as domestiques.
Friday, May 09, 2008
What a cool Friday
Today was mother's day at D&A's preschool. They both served me lunch individually within an hour. It was very cute- hummus on pita, strawberries, veggies and ranch, chips and salsa and brownies. I got one strawberry from each, one chip from Andrew and 1/2 chip from David. Very funny. And a 1/3 cup of punch "it tastes like ginger ale but its not" "what is it?" "its punch" with a huge grin and burst out laughing like he got away with something.
The poultry plant smells bad when you first enter. We were not able to see the evicerations because the workers were done for the day- we saw the leftover parts and blood and I am grateful we didnt see it. The rest of the plant tour involved parts of the turkey we are used to seeing it, still revulsion still overcame me at points. Deli turkey meat will take awhile for me to eat again.
The Staunton Grocery is a restaurant in Staunton on Beverly Street- it was delicious. The chef made a speech beforehand on how he opened this place to use the locally grown foods in new and productive ways and to serve the farmers and economy of the valley. Very noble thing. While I didnt expect the apple crisp deconstructed with rhubarb cream, mint and caramel to be like it was- I am adventurous, so it was cool. Also the BEST coffee so far this trip- no way anything will be able to beat it till Shenandoah Joes.
Off to the depot and baja. BTW- CREIGH DEEDS for GOVERNOR.
In the morning I have to argue in favor of the ten commandments in school- I got figure out how to make those arguments- my assumption is if I just act belligerent I will get the point across that the foundation of this country is the Bible so we should instill these moral values in our children at a young age. I will win by being righteously indignant.
The poultry plant smells bad when you first enter. We were not able to see the evicerations because the workers were done for the day- we saw the leftover parts and blood and I am grateful we didnt see it. The rest of the plant tour involved parts of the turkey we are used to seeing it, still revulsion still overcame me at points. Deli turkey meat will take awhile for me to eat again.
The Staunton Grocery is a restaurant in Staunton on Beverly Street- it was delicious. The chef made a speech beforehand on how he opened this place to use the locally grown foods in new and productive ways and to serve the farmers and economy of the valley. Very noble thing. While I didnt expect the apple crisp deconstructed with rhubarb cream, mint and caramel to be like it was- I am adventurous, so it was cool. Also the BEST coffee so far this trip- no way anything will be able to beat it till Shenandoah Joes.
Off to the depot and baja. BTW- CREIGH DEEDS for GOVERNOR.
In the morning I have to argue in favor of the ten commandments in school- I got figure out how to make those arguments- my assumption is if I just act belligerent I will get the point across that the foundation of this country is the Bible so we should instill these moral values in our children at a young age. I will win by being righteously indignant.
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