Freedom Friday will return next week.
Today IS Friday, isn't it?!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
By Popular Demand
A lot of you have expressed interest in my take on the President's speech last night.
And by a lot I mean one of you. Thanks, Kendra!
Let me tell you up front that I did not watch the speech.
Gasp!
It's true. Whenever I listen to Obama all I hear is Charlie Brown's teacher, "wah wah wah hope! wah wah wah change!" However, being the concerned, involved citizen that I am, I did watch some clips and read the transcript.
First, you must understand that Obama's words don't literally mean anything...they are just supposed to sound good. Inspirational even. Therefore, his speeches don't really lend themselves to analysis. Just feelings. If you watched it you probably felt all warm and fuzzy.
So with that being said, here are what I considered the highlights:
1. My favorite line: "I'm proud that we passed the recovery plan free of earmarks..." Oh my. Where do I start? Props to The One for sheer guts. Perhaps we have redefined what an earmark is and I missed it? Or maybe it just depends on what your definition of the word "is" is.
2. I also loved the line: "Not because I believe in bigger government - I don't." Snort followed by loud guffaw.
3. I also noticed that he's been using his focus groups wisely. Did you notice how he threw in all those conservative-y sounding phrases like "America will emerge stronger," "responsibility to ensure that we do not pass on to {our children} a debt they cannot pay," " eliminate wasteful and ineffective programs," "we're also suffering from a deficit of trust," "restoring a sense of honesty and accountability, " "to keep our sacred trust with those who serve [in the military]?" Almost made me forget he's a socialist.
4. Another great line: "...the flow of credit is the lifeblood of our economy." Yeah, that's been the problem. I don't know about you but the lifeblood of my household economy is income-production.
One last thing completely unrelated to the speech.
Could someone PLEASE tell Michelle that she really doesn't have the arms to go sleeveless? Besides, HELLO, it is FEBRUARY!
And by a lot I mean one of you. Thanks, Kendra!
Let me tell you up front that I did not watch the speech.
Gasp!
It's true. Whenever I listen to Obama all I hear is Charlie Brown's teacher, "wah wah wah hope! wah wah wah change!" However, being the concerned, involved citizen that I am, I did watch some clips and read the transcript.
First, you must understand that Obama's words don't literally mean anything...they are just supposed to sound good. Inspirational even. Therefore, his speeches don't really lend themselves to analysis. Just feelings. If you watched it you probably felt all warm and fuzzy.
So with that being said, here are what I considered the highlights:
1. My favorite line: "I'm proud that we passed the recovery plan free of earmarks..." Oh my. Where do I start? Props to The One for sheer guts. Perhaps we have redefined what an earmark is and I missed it? Or maybe it just depends on what your definition of the word "is" is.
2. I also loved the line: "Not because I believe in bigger government - I don't." Snort followed by loud guffaw.
3. I also noticed that he's been using his focus groups wisely. Did you notice how he threw in all those conservative-y sounding phrases like "America will emerge stronger," "responsibility to ensure that we do not pass on to {our children} a debt they cannot pay," " eliminate wasteful and ineffective programs," "we're also suffering from a deficit of trust," "restoring a sense of honesty and accountability, " "to keep our sacred trust with those who serve [in the military]?" Almost made me forget he's a socialist.
4. Another great line: "...the flow of credit is the lifeblood of our economy." Yeah, that's been the problem. I don't know about you but the lifeblood of my household economy is income-production.
One last thing completely unrelated to the speech.
Could someone PLEASE tell Michelle that she really doesn't have the arms to go sleeveless? Besides, HELLO, it is FEBRUARY!
In Which I Confess My Shame...Part Two
Today I balanced my check register for the first time since October 10, 2008.
Yep. October.
And I don't mean "reconciled to my bank statement." I literally mean I just calculated the balance in my check register.
Yes, I am a CPA. Yes, I have chewed out clients in the past for such irresponsibility.
I could point out that October was when Congress started debating the much-loved TARP bill. I could make a correlation between the government's inability to keep it's own books and mine.
Wes: Hey, where'd all our money go?
Me: (shrug) I dunno. But it really stimulated the economy...I'm sure of that.
But I won't go there.
Unlike our fearless leaders, I will take full personal responsiblity for being a bum.
So, if you are one of my former clients and I ever chewed you out for being loosey-goosey with the check book...my apologies.
Yep. October.
And I don't mean "reconciled to my bank statement." I literally mean I just calculated the balance in my check register.
Yes, I am a CPA. Yes, I have chewed out clients in the past for such irresponsibility.
I could point out that October was when Congress started debating the much-loved TARP bill. I could make a correlation between the government's inability to keep it's own books and mine.
Wes: Hey, where'd all our money go?
Me: (shrug) I dunno. But it really stimulated the economy...I'm sure of that.
But I won't go there.
Unlike our fearless leaders, I will take full personal responsiblity for being a bum.
So, if you are one of my former clients and I ever chewed you out for being loosey-goosey with the check book...my apologies.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
In Which I Confess My Shame
I don't know what kind of laundry system you use but let's just say mine isn't working. In fact, I hesitate to use the term "system" to describe the haphazard methodology that I use.
When we built our house I really did put a lot of thought into making laundry easier. I have lots of counter space...lots of cabinets...a hanging rod over my shiny, white, front-loading, high-efficiency washer and dryer...and pretty, yet functional baskets for each family member that sit on top of the washer and dryer. The plan was that as I take clothes out of the dryer I can fold them and place them in their owner's basket.
But what we have here is a failure...of epic proportions.
I now have mountains of neatly folded clothes that I continue to stack in my lovely baskets, and stack and stack and stack. Until the pile falls over behind the shiny, white front-loading, high-effiency washer and dryer and has to be fished out with a broom handle. And re-washed and re-dried.
As a side note..."high-effiency" does not mean it will fold and put away your clothes for you. I know. I was disappointed too.
I have begun to notice that my family lacks laundry putting-away skills. Sadly, I also lack them. I have also begun to notice that my kids wear the same pieces of clothing over and over. I hasten to add that these clothes are not dirty (at least not most of the time.) They have been washed but they are also in those lovely baskets. Which is the only place my kids know to look for clean clothes. On top of the stack, because, you know, there's really no sense in digging to the bottom of the pile and having them all fall behind the washer.
I have tried having my kids put away their clothes. Sadly, this is even worse. Caitlin stuffs all of her clothes into one cubby and then can't find anything. Because it's way to much trouble to dig through the cubby. Much easier to go get the clean clothes from the top of the stack in the basket. With the added bonus that you don't have to put away what you're wearing.
I have foiled her plan.
I spent about and hour and a half today making these:
and placed them here:
Yes, it took an hour and a half. I have the uncanny ability to waste inordinate amounts of time looking industrious while actually accomplishing very little.
It's a gift.
Oh, and if I work for you I never, ever waste time at work!
When we built our house I really did put a lot of thought into making laundry easier. I have lots of counter space...lots of cabinets...a hanging rod over my shiny, white, front-loading, high-efficiency washer and dryer...and pretty, yet functional baskets for each family member that sit on top of the washer and dryer. The plan was that as I take clothes out of the dryer I can fold them and place them in their owner's basket.
But what we have here is a failure...of epic proportions.
I now have mountains of neatly folded clothes that I continue to stack in my lovely baskets, and stack and stack and stack. Until the pile falls over behind the shiny, white front-loading, high-effiency washer and dryer and has to be fished out with a broom handle. And re-washed and re-dried.
As a side note..."high-effiency" does not mean it will fold and put away your clothes for you. I know. I was disappointed too.
I have begun to notice that my family lacks laundry putting-away skills. Sadly, I also lack them. I have also begun to notice that my kids wear the same pieces of clothing over and over. I hasten to add that these clothes are not dirty (at least not most of the time.) They have been washed but they are also in those lovely baskets. Which is the only place my kids know to look for clean clothes. On top of the stack, because, you know, there's really no sense in digging to the bottom of the pile and having them all fall behind the washer.
I have tried having my kids put away their clothes. Sadly, this is even worse. Caitlin stuffs all of her clothes into one cubby and then can't find anything. Because it's way to much trouble to dig through the cubby. Much easier to go get the clean clothes from the top of the stack in the basket. With the added bonus that you don't have to put away what you're wearing.
I have foiled her plan.
I spent about and hour and a half today making these:
and placed them here:
Yes, it took an hour and a half. I have the uncanny ability to waste inordinate amounts of time looking industrious while actually accomplishing very little.
It's a gift.
Oh, and if I work for you I never, ever waste time at work!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Memory Monday
He will feed his
I still have some work to do!
I love that He holds the lambs close to his heart. That is so beautiful. And comforting.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Introducing....
Freedom Friday!!
(If I knew how to write code I'd have a cute little button with a flag on it or something. That's on my bucket list--learning to write code, that is, not cute little buttons. )
Here's the deal. This is probably gonna bum some of you out. I've decided to dedicate my Friday posts to discussing the principles of freedom.
Hey, you there, the one that's just about to click to a different blog...please hear me out.
The other day Wes was having a conversation with someone-who-shall-remain-nameless and they were discussing (read: arguing) about the ridiculous stimulus bill that was just passed. Wes was saying that you can't give a tax "cut" to someone who doesn't pay taxes...it's called "welfare" people. So the someone-who-shall-remain-nameless says "I just think we need to return to what our founding father's believed."
So, let me get this straight. This person believes that our founding fathers advocated welfare for the masses. Allow me to quote Benjamin Franklin--
"I am for doing good to the poor, but...I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. I observed...that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer. "
Wow. We as a nation are so disconnected from our roots that we don't even know what the founders believed anymore. So it occured to me that what we need is some education. I don't claim to know everything about the founding fathers but I do read a lot about them. I've decided that it's my responsibility to share the things I learn with you, my bloggy friends, because friends shouldn't let friends be ignorant.
So, I know what you're probably thinking. As Christians we should be more concerned about reaching the lost. This government stuff is so secular, so worldy. As Christians, we should be about the Lord's business. I submit to you that protecting our Constitution IS the Lord's business. Our right to worship as we please depends on it. Do you realize that we the people are liberty's last line of defense?
You and me.
And we're going into battle unarmed.
(If I knew how to write code I'd have a cute little button with a flag on it or something. That's on my bucket list--learning to write code, that is, not cute little buttons. )
Here's the deal. This is probably gonna bum some of you out. I've decided to dedicate my Friday posts to discussing the principles of freedom.
Hey, you there, the one that's just about to click to a different blog...please hear me out.
The other day Wes was having a conversation with someone-who-shall-remain-nameless and they were discussing (read: arguing) about the ridiculous stimulus bill that was just passed. Wes was saying that you can't give a tax "cut" to someone who doesn't pay taxes...it's called "welfare" people. So the someone-who-shall-remain-nameless says "I just think we need to return to what our founding father's believed."
So, let me get this straight. This person believes that our founding fathers advocated welfare for the masses. Allow me to quote Benjamin Franklin--
"I am for doing good to the poor, but...I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. I observed...that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer. "
Wow. We as a nation are so disconnected from our roots that we don't even know what the founders believed anymore. So it occured to me that what we need is some education. I don't claim to know everything about the founding fathers but I do read a lot about them. I've decided that it's my responsibility to share the things I learn with you, my bloggy friends, because friends shouldn't let friends be ignorant.
So, I know what you're probably thinking. As Christians we should be more concerned about reaching the lost. This government stuff is so secular, so worldy. As Christians, we should be about the Lord's business. I submit to you that protecting our Constitution IS the Lord's business. Our right to worship as we please depends on it. Do you realize that we the people are liberty's last line of defense?
You and me.
And we're going into battle unarmed.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Memory Monday
If you'd like to participate in Memory Monday, go on over and see Joanne at The Simple Wife.
My scripture for this week:
"May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Spirit. " Romans 15:13 (NIV)
No Words
Sorry I haven't been posting for a while. I just have other things on my mind and blogging is way down on my priority list right now.
Many of you know about my 17 year-old niece, Hannah, who has been battling brain cancer for almost a year. She's been admitted to Children's in Little Rock again today but tomorrow they are planning to move her into hospice care. We know that without miraculous intervention her time with us is short. I don't have adequate words to describe my sorrow and grief. For now I'll just ask you to pray for wisdom for her parents, Brad and Jill, as they make decisions tomorrow about Hannah's care. And please pray for the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, to guard the hearts and minds of all of Hannah's family in Christ Jesus. Above all, pray for Hannah's comfort and that she won't be in pain.
But in the midst of it all, we celebrate that no matter what happens, Hannah's future is secure in Jesus.
That's Hannah on the right and her younger sister, Bethany, on the left.
Many of you know about my 17 year-old niece, Hannah, who has been battling brain cancer for almost a year. She's been admitted to Children's in Little Rock again today but tomorrow they are planning to move her into hospice care. We know that without miraculous intervention her time with us is short. I don't have adequate words to describe my sorrow and grief. For now I'll just ask you to pray for wisdom for her parents, Brad and Jill, as they make decisions tomorrow about Hannah's care. And please pray for the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, to guard the hearts and minds of all of Hannah's family in Christ Jesus. Above all, pray for Hannah's comfort and that she won't be in pain.
But in the midst of it all, we celebrate that no matter what happens, Hannah's future is secure in Jesus.
That's Hannah on the right and her younger sister, Bethany, on the left.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Amazing Pork Loin
I just made a totally rockin' pork loin in my crock pot. Here's a link to the recipe in case you'd like to try it. I highly recommend it!
So today was definitely Monday.
I had to wait on the heat and air guy AGAIN. We now have a/c which I guess is ok since it's been 70 degrees. However, we still don't have heat which is not ok since, HELLO!, this is Arkansas in February and it is likely to be in the 20's again at a moment's notice. Supposedly he is ordering some parts and will be back at some future date yet to be determined. We have TWO units and neither one works right and they are only 3 years old. All I can say is never, ever, under any circumstances buy a Lennox. I don't care what kind of sale they have going or what kind of deal they make you...it is soooo not worth it.
Then I had to take the dog to get her stitches out and she threw the ugliest fit at the vet's office. She is such a weenie. And then I smelled like wet dog the rest of the day because, of course, it was raining.
Then I hurry to school to pick up Caitlin at 3:00, wait in that interminable car rider line only to remember that today is Benchmark tutoring after school and I don't have to pick her up until 5:00. Bummer.
Being the smart time manager that I am, I decided to make my weekly Wal-mart run while I'm killing time until I need to pick up Hayley at 4:00. Except I left my shopping list at home. So I proceeded to do my shopping from memory and miraculously only forgot one item which is probably the postive note on which I should end this post.
So consider this post done. Bye, y'all!
So today was definitely Monday.
I had to wait on the heat and air guy AGAIN. We now have a/c which I guess is ok since it's been 70 degrees. However, we still don't have heat which is not ok since, HELLO!, this is Arkansas in February and it is likely to be in the 20's again at a moment's notice. Supposedly he is ordering some parts and will be back at some future date yet to be determined. We have TWO units and neither one works right and they are only 3 years old. All I can say is never, ever, under any circumstances buy a Lennox. I don't care what kind of sale they have going or what kind of deal they make you...it is soooo not worth it.
Then I had to take the dog to get her stitches out and she threw the ugliest fit at the vet's office. She is such a weenie. And then I smelled like wet dog the rest of the day because, of course, it was raining.
Then I hurry to school to pick up Caitlin at 3:00, wait in that interminable car rider line only to remember that today is Benchmark tutoring after school and I don't have to pick her up until 5:00. Bummer.
Being the smart time manager that I am, I decided to make my weekly Wal-mart run while I'm killing time until I need to pick up Hayley at 4:00. Except I left my shopping list at home. So I proceeded to do my shopping from memory and miraculously only forgot one item which is probably the postive note on which I should end this post.
So consider this post done. Bye, y'all!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
This Is Your Brain On Joy
Get it here.
I just finished reading This Is Your Brain On Joy: A Revolutionary Program for Balancing Mood, Restoring Brain Health, and Nurturing Spiritual Growth by Dr. Earl Henslin. This is not normally the kind of book I would read since I am a skeptic by nature. I tend to be wary of self-help books or books that promise something in a certain number of steps. I expected this one to be along those lines.
I was pleasantly surprised by Dr. Henslin. This book is well-written, easy to read and entertaining. It contains a balanced mix of science and theology. While the theology is not deep, and he does over-simplify the science, the book winds up being practical and thought-provoking.
I was pleasantly surprised by Dr. Henslin. This book is well-written, easy to read and entertaining. It contains a balanced mix of science and theology. While the theology is not deep, and he does over-simplify the science, the book winds up being practical and thought-provoking.
Understanding the latest neuroscience research offers hope to those living with depression, obsession, anxiety, anger and ADD as well as other mental illnesses. Dr. Henslin also successfully argues the case for compassion for people suffering what may likely be a brain problem and not simply sin or rebellion as those in the church are apt to think.
He offers practical treatments and specific therapies for specific problems through supplements and medications, nutrition, music, exercise and Scripture. While I was not entirely convinced that supplements and nutrition can make a difference and I usually consider psychotherapy to be hocus-pocus, feel-good stuff I have to admit that the case presented by Dr. Henslin seems fairly reasonable and bears consideration. Some of his examples of patients seemed a little too good to be true but overall if you or someone you know suffer from any kind of mental issue this book is certainly worth the read.
Dear Congressman Mike Ross
Thank you for your timely response and for your concern about my concern regarding H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 which I shall hereafter refer to as "The Liberal Spending Frenzy of 2009."
While I applaud your ability to recite verbatim the Democratic talking points regarding The Liberal Spending Frenzy Act of 2009, I am curious as to whether or not you personally believe the crap you are spewing.
You stated that "Experts agree that if nothing is done, the unemployment rate could reach double digits." And then you assured me that "This plan will...immediately jumpstart job creation." Could you please be more specific? Just exactly HOW will The Liberal Spending Frenzy Act of 2009 jumpstart job creation? How many jobs will the $650 million for digital TV coupons create? Or the $150 million for the Smithsonian? How many jobs will the $34 million to renovate the Department of Commerce headquarters create? (I don't know about you but when I can't pay my existing bills, I don't borrow more money to renovate my house.) Please tell me how many jobs the $350 million for agriculture department computers or $88 million to help move the Public Health Service into a new building will create. (Not FOR a new building, to MOVE to a new building!)
You also stated that "In fact, I led the efforts to eliminate the pork in this bill, removing earmarks for contraceptives and resodding the National Mall, and I fought off attempts to include frivolous requests like a water park in Florida." YOU personally did all that?! Wow. You should be really angry that you didn't get credit for that publicly. I haven't seen your name mentioned in any articles or on any news programs.
I was particularly moved by your statement that "Economists from across the political spectrum agree that unless we take bold, swift action, the economic situation will easily become worse. Sitting idly by and letting the economy collapse is not an option, especially as more workers are laid off, more families are forced out of their homes and more children go to bed hungry at night." I suspect that these "economists" may be somehow related to the "scientists" that "all agree" that global warming is man-made. I guess the debate on the economy is settled too. I'll just disregard the article I read today that said the CBO says that this "stimulus" is worse than doing nothing. And speaking of global warming, why do we need to spend $87 million for a polar ice breaking ship? I thought all the polar ice was going to melt?
Seriously, Mike. May I call you "Mike?"
Mike, the next time I contact you regarding pending legislation I really hope that you will leave well enough alone and not respond with your generic liberal talking points. Please don't insult my intelligence.
Thank you and have a nice day.
While I applaud your ability to recite verbatim the Democratic talking points regarding The Liberal Spending Frenzy Act of 2009, I am curious as to whether or not you personally believe the crap you are spewing.
You stated that "Experts agree that if nothing is done, the unemployment rate could reach double digits." And then you assured me that "This plan will...immediately jumpstart job creation." Could you please be more specific? Just exactly HOW will The Liberal Spending Frenzy Act of 2009 jumpstart job creation? How many jobs will the $650 million for digital TV coupons create? Or the $150 million for the Smithsonian? How many jobs will the $34 million to renovate the Department of Commerce headquarters create? (I don't know about you but when I can't pay my existing bills, I don't borrow more money to renovate my house.) Please tell me how many jobs the $350 million for agriculture department computers or $88 million to help move the Public Health Service into a new building will create. (Not FOR a new building, to MOVE to a new building!)
You also stated that "In fact, I led the efforts to eliminate the pork in this bill, removing earmarks for contraceptives and resodding the National Mall, and I fought off attempts to include frivolous requests like a water park in Florida." YOU personally did all that?! Wow. You should be really angry that you didn't get credit for that publicly. I haven't seen your name mentioned in any articles or on any news programs.
I was particularly moved by your statement that "Economists from across the political spectrum agree that unless we take bold, swift action, the economic situation will easily become worse. Sitting idly by and letting the economy collapse is not an option, especially as more workers are laid off, more families are forced out of their homes and more children go to bed hungry at night." I suspect that these "economists" may be somehow related to the "scientists" that "all agree" that global warming is man-made. I guess the debate on the economy is settled too. I'll just disregard the article I read today that said the CBO says that this "stimulus" is worse than doing nothing. And speaking of global warming, why do we need to spend $87 million for a polar ice breaking ship? I thought all the polar ice was going to melt?
Seriously, Mike. May I call you "Mike?"
Mike, the next time I contact you regarding pending legislation I really hope that you will leave well enough alone and not respond with your generic liberal talking points. Please don't insult my intelligence.
Thank you and have a nice day.
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