I told you about Cam Reed. Well, he lost his battle on the 20th... his 83rd birthday. (can you believe that!?)
At church we left 150 chairs set up for his funeral, since it's tomorrow afternoon. I'm really not sure that will be enough.
I am very sure, however, that I want people to say the same when I die... I'm not sure 150 chairs will be enough.
2pm Tuesday at Cedar Ridge Christian Church
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
State Fair Potato Salad
This is possibly the best ever potato salad... Yummy! 5 gold stars!! Actually, it was probably a blue ribbon...
State Fair Potato Salad
"Drizzling sweet pickle juice over the warm potatoes is the secret to this delicious salad."
Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, 10-20 minutes. Drain. Drizzle pickle juice over warm potatoes and stir (this might be my favorite part of the whole recipe). Cool to room temp. I place the pot in the sink with salted ice water to speed this process.
State Fair Potato Salad
"Drizzling sweet pickle juice over the warm potatoes is the secret to this delicious salad."
- 3 1/2 pounds red-skinned potatoes, washed, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup juices from jar of sweet pickles
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 T Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 hard-boiled eggs, peeled, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped sweet pickles (Vlassic no sugar added baby gherkins)
Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, 10-20 minutes. Drain. Drizzle pickle juice over warm potatoes and stir (this might be my favorite part of the whole recipe). Cool to room temp. I place the pot in the sink with salted ice water to speed this process.
While the potatoes are cooking and cooling, chop the celery, hard-boiled eggs, and pickles. Put these in the large bowl you'll serve in.
In medium bowl, whisk together mayo, buttermilk, mustard, sugar and pepper. Add potatoes and sauce to chopped goodies and stir well. Chill.
Enjoy!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
drowning
I drift off to sleep... and fall under the surface.
I try to make my limbs move, but they refuse. Tired from the struggle I suppose. I scream at them and my lungs fill with cool water. I realize I'm not gaining speed toward the air, only drifting backward. A calm comes over me and I stop trying to fight. I float carefully down, no bottom in sight. The light continues to dim and I seem to stop moving.
Weightless.
I need air. Somehow, after a sputtering it's as though I took a breath - but realize there's no air in sight and I feel my lungs panic.
WAKE UP!
I yell to myself - no sound being produced.
WAKE UP! YOU'RE DREAMING! WAKE UP!
I peel my eyes open, barely- scanning the room only long enough to verify that indeed I was not submerged in a watery grave. But they are too heavy to maintain my view. I drift back to sleep, and back into the water. I gasp for breath again and manage to wake enough to roll over.
The dream was gone. Thankfully.
---
It wasn't exactly a nightmare, but it certainly wasn't pleasant either.
Is this an indication of my current life? That I feel like I'm drowning and trying to fight, but not succeeding? Trying to breathe, but getting a mouthful of water? Finding peace only by letting go?
Is it sad, or scary, or ok?
What am I letting go of? And who's hanging on in my stead? Am I handing it to God, or just... letting go?
I try to make my limbs move, but they refuse. Tired from the struggle I suppose. I scream at them and my lungs fill with cool water. I realize I'm not gaining speed toward the air, only drifting backward. A calm comes over me and I stop trying to fight. I float carefully down, no bottom in sight. The light continues to dim and I seem to stop moving.
Weightless.
I need air. Somehow, after a sputtering it's as though I took a breath - but realize there's no air in sight and I feel my lungs panic.
WAKE UP!
I yell to myself - no sound being produced.
WAKE UP! YOU'RE DREAMING! WAKE UP!
I peel my eyes open, barely- scanning the room only long enough to verify that indeed I was not submerged in a watery grave. But they are too heavy to maintain my view. I drift back to sleep, and back into the water. I gasp for breath again and manage to wake enough to roll over.
The dream was gone. Thankfully.
---
It wasn't exactly a nightmare, but it certainly wasn't pleasant either.
Is this an indication of my current life? That I feel like I'm drowning and trying to fight, but not succeeding? Trying to breathe, but getting a mouthful of water? Finding peace only by letting go?
Is it sad, or scary, or ok?
What am I letting go of? And who's hanging on in my stead? Am I handing it to God, or just... letting go?
Monday, May 5, 2008
rotflmao
Why you ask?
Well, it all started last week, when my little brother got unlimited text messaging.
We'd been chatting and then he sent me this picture:
Yes, he's taking classes to become an EMT or the like. (He's still deciding. Shut up.)
Our following conversation has me chuckling to this day so I knew it was blog worthy!
Me: Did you really show up to class in a wife beater? Tell me no... tell me you took your other shirt off 'cause it was getting in the way of the bandaging. Please. (I'm the master of 160 characters...)
Ben: Sure, we'll go with that. (did I mention he's the youngest of 4 and placation is his specialty?)
Ben: No, even better. I'm so hot, girls ripped the other shirt off. And I was injured in the process. lol :)
Me: rotflmao
Me: Maybe you should consider stand-up. (previous conversation... sorry, you'll have to believe me it was funny)
Ben: "rotflmao" What????? (yes, there were 5 question marks)
Me: rollin' on the floor laughing my ass off... get with the times kid! haha
I just taught my little brother tech jargon. Does that make me cool or is it a sad indication that I spend a little too much time on the keyboard?
Either way, it's fun. He feels thousands of miles closer, even if it is just text.
Well, it all started last week, when my little brother got unlimited text messaging.
We'd been chatting and then he sent me this picture:
Yes, he's taking classes to become an EMT or the like. (He's still deciding. Shut up.)
Our following conversation has me chuckling to this day so I knew it was blog worthy!
Me: Did you really show up to class in a wife beater? Tell me no... tell me you took your other shirt off 'cause it was getting in the way of the bandaging. Please. (I'm the master of 160 characters...)
Ben: Sure, we'll go with that. (did I mention he's the youngest of 4 and placation is his specialty?)
Ben: No, even better. I'm so hot, girls ripped the other shirt off. And I was injured in the process. lol :)
Me: rotflmao
Me: Maybe you should consider stand-up. (previous conversation... sorry, you'll have to believe me it was funny)
Ben: "rotflmao" What????? (yes, there were 5 question marks)
Me: rollin' on the floor laughing my ass off... get with the times kid! haha
I just taught my little brother tech jargon. Does that make me cool or is it a sad indication that I spend a little too much time on the keyboard?
Either way, it's fun. He feels thousands of miles closer, even if it is just text.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
You might have a great church if...
You might have a great church if... The man who wins the annual "Well Done Good and Faithful Servant" service award is this man:
He's nearly 83 years old. He helps in the infant's room every week (even when he doesn't feel well). He grew up in church serving along side his Mom. When asked what he wanted to tell his family and his church he said he wants everyone to trust the Lord and serve others. And he's dying of leukemia. You heard me. About 4 weeks ago he was given 2 weeks- 4 months by the doctors.
When he's interviewed for church, he closes by looking straight into the camera and saying, "My name is Cam Reed, I'm almost 83 and I have leukemia. What's your problem?"
As if to (lovingly) say: I still serve the Lord and make a difference in the life of as many people as I possibly can, in the place I think the Lord has called me to serve... I've overcome immense barriers to do so and you're going to sit there telling me about how tired you are at the end of the day and that you might miss knowing who got voted off the island, who can't dance, or who won... and you think that's a viable excuse for not putting yourself out there? Ha! I'm dying. I don't care what you think. This is important. Are you listening?
And there's hardly a dry eye in the house because he's impacted that many people.
That's influence. (I know it is because the bulletin requests for volunteers have been pulled, there were a lot of people new to service volunteering after worship... guess I wasn't the only one listening.)
We should all be so blessed.
And prayers, love, and hugs go out to Cam & Thelma, and their family! We all love you so much!
He's nearly 83 years old. He helps in the infant's room every week (even when he doesn't feel well). He grew up in church serving along side his Mom. When asked what he wanted to tell his family and his church he said he wants everyone to trust the Lord and serve others. And he's dying of leukemia. You heard me. About 4 weeks ago he was given 2 weeks- 4 months by the doctors.
When he's interviewed for church, he closes by looking straight into the camera and saying, "My name is Cam Reed, I'm almost 83 and I have leukemia. What's your problem?"
As if to (lovingly) say: I still serve the Lord and make a difference in the life of as many people as I possibly can, in the place I think the Lord has called me to serve... I've overcome immense barriers to do so and you're going to sit there telling me about how tired you are at the end of the day and that you might miss knowing who got voted off the island, who can't dance, or who won... and you think that's a viable excuse for not putting yourself out there? Ha! I'm dying. I don't care what you think. This is important. Are you listening?
And there's hardly a dry eye in the house because he's impacted that many people.
That's influence. (I know it is because the bulletin requests for volunteers have been pulled, there were a lot of people new to service volunteering after worship... guess I wasn't the only one listening.)
We should all be so blessed.
And prayers, love, and hugs go out to Cam & Thelma, and their family! We all love you so much!
Friday, May 2, 2008
We're okay...
If April showers bring May flowers... What do May showers bring?
Tornadoes.
But not to our neighborhood. Just rain and flowers here. Thanks for worrying though.
Tornadoes.
But not to our neighborhood. Just rain and flowers here. Thanks for worrying though.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
girly toes
These are my girly toes.
No, they're not Barbie toes.
And no, they don't get regular pedicures.
Yes, I can pick up pencils and stray socks with them.
And yes, they have been hiding in boots and steel toes all winter so they're kinda,
~um~
pale...
but they're preparing to come out of hibernation! Look at my pretty pink polish!
It's like my own personal tribute to summer! It just makes me happy (even if they are still stuck in a pair of steel toes most days).
No, they're not Barbie toes.
And no, they don't get regular pedicures.
Yes, I can pick up pencils and stray socks with them.
And yes, they have been hiding in boots and steel toes all winter so they're kinda,
~um~
pale...
but they're preparing to come out of hibernation! Look at my pretty pink polish!
It's like my own personal tribute to summer! It just makes me happy (even if they are still stuck in a pair of steel toes most days).
Monday, April 28, 2008
zoom... zip... zing
So I just cleaned the track ball on my computer mouse (something I hadn't done in WAY too long in retrospect) so now, I'm zooming all over the place, missing the target completely. *sigh*
Thursday, April 24, 2008
I'm a "Phan"
Ever since Emmy Rossum came across my radar as Christine in the 2004 movie Phantom of the Opera I have been infatuated with her.
She came up again today as she hit the scene in yet another FABULOUS ensemble. Not only is she timelessly beautiful and has impeccable taste, but she's hugely talented, and, to top it all off - everything, anyone, has ever said about her indicates that she's a really nice person.
How can you not love this girl!? I want to be just like her when I grow up!
*thanks to PhotoBucket.com
She came up again today as she hit the scene in yet another FABULOUS ensemble. Not only is she timelessly beautiful and has impeccable taste, but she's hugely talented, and, to top it all off - everything, anyone, has ever said about her indicates that she's a really nice person.
How can you not love this girl!? I want to be just like her when I grow up!
*thanks to PhotoBucket.com
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Silence is Frustrating
I have strep throat. That means that my throat is being strepped. Well, if I had to come up with a new word that described what it felt like that would be it. kinda.
My throat hurts. A lot. I mean, 1200mg ibuprofen isn't denting the pain. I only took 800mg post-delivery (okay, so I had other drugs helping out and some pretty fab hormones courtesy GOD, but I've seriously never taken this much pain medication). So I decided I should probably go to the Dr. You'd think I were a guy.
When you tell the Dr., in as much voice as you can muster, that you believe you'd feel better if you could just remove your throat, they get the picture that you're in a lot of pain. So, even though the shove-a-Qtip-as-far-down-your-throat-as-we-can test didn't say I have strep (I guess it only tests for the A-strain, not the whole family of B-H strains...) the Dr. thinks it's strep and recommends that we don't wait for the culture to come back in 2 days to begin antibiotics.
I volunteered for an injection. A nee-, a needl-, no, I still can't say it. And it sounds just as crazy in retrospect. (I thought now that I was feeling better it would sound more realistic, but it's still just as crazy)
The nurse, a sweet thing... I tell her that I hate needles, but that I know this will work faster than pills... so she tries to be kind and realistic (I'm not sure that's actually possible, but she tried and I give her credit for that) So, she explains to me that I'll have to lower my pants and that it's going to hurt because it's like injecting glue - um, it's really thick - she quickly corrects herself. Now I'm leaning over on the table and she's trying to find the thickest spot on my butt in which to inject the um, glue, so she's poking and pushing - and my muscles are already sore because I've been sick... and there's not a big fleshy spot on me... I'm a whopping 5'1" 105#... there's no excess. So, she finds a spot she likes and pinches me up so it won't hurt as much (nice of her for trying) and OOOOOUUUUCCCCCHHH!!!!!!! THEN - she has to RUB IT AROUND a little after she's done injecting it so it breaks up some... great... exactly what I wanted. Stab me with a needle, then rub the injection site for a while... already I'm feeling better! Then she says that some people have reactions of rashes, dizziness, and fainting so I'll need to lay down for 20 minutes (on the hard table, on my new ouchie) so they know I don't have those reactions. I think she also notes that I'm a little pale from the pain of my brand new dead-leg.
So now, my butt, AND my throat hurt! Isn't that just a miracle of modern medicine!
But, here we are, day 2, and I'm actually beginning to think I WILL get better. Soon. Today's better than yesterday, which was better than the day before. My butt still hurts, like to sit on and when I walk, that's all. But I can eat! Still no talking though.
Not talking is a challenge. Especially at work. On a day that's had 3 conference calls already. I just had a customer walk in and accuse me of ignoring his message... as I pantomime to him that I have strep and he slowly backs away.
I can't answer the phone, but I'm swallowing without cringing and getting hungry! Tomorrow is a new day! Hopefully with real food and real words.
My throat hurts. A lot. I mean, 1200mg ibuprofen isn't denting the pain. I only took 800mg post-delivery (okay, so I had other drugs helping out and some pretty fab hormones courtesy GOD, but I've seriously never taken this much pain medication). So I decided I should probably go to the Dr. You'd think I were a guy.
When you tell the Dr., in as much voice as you can muster, that you believe you'd feel better if you could just remove your throat, they get the picture that you're in a lot of pain. So, even though the shove-a-Qtip-as-far-down-your-throat-as-we-can test didn't say I have strep (I guess it only tests for the A-strain, not the whole family of B-H strains...) the Dr. thinks it's strep and recommends that we don't wait for the culture to come back in 2 days to begin antibiotics.
I volunteered for an injection. A nee-, a needl-, no, I still can't say it. And it sounds just as crazy in retrospect. (I thought now that I was feeling better it would sound more realistic, but it's still just as crazy)
The nurse, a sweet thing... I tell her that I hate needles, but that I know this will work faster than pills... so she tries to be kind and realistic (I'm not sure that's actually possible, but she tried and I give her credit for that) So, she explains to me that I'll have to lower my pants and that it's going to hurt because it's like injecting glue - um, it's really thick - she quickly corrects herself. Now I'm leaning over on the table and she's trying to find the thickest spot on my butt in which to inject the um, glue, so she's poking and pushing - and my muscles are already sore because I've been sick... and there's not a big fleshy spot on me... I'm a whopping 5'1" 105#... there's no excess. So, she finds a spot she likes and pinches me up so it won't hurt as much (nice of her for trying) and OOOOOUUUUCCCCCHHH!!!!!!! THEN - she has to RUB IT AROUND a little after she's done injecting it so it breaks up some... great... exactly what I wanted. Stab me with a needle, then rub the injection site for a while... already I'm feeling better! Then she says that some people have reactions of rashes, dizziness, and fainting so I'll need to lay down for 20 minutes (on the hard table, on my new ouchie) so they know I don't have those reactions. I think she also notes that I'm a little pale from the pain of my brand new dead-leg.
So now, my butt, AND my throat hurt! Isn't that just a miracle of modern medicine!
But, here we are, day 2, and I'm actually beginning to think I WILL get better. Soon. Today's better than yesterday, which was better than the day before. My butt still hurts, like to sit on and when I walk, that's all. But I can eat! Still no talking though.
Not talking is a challenge. Especially at work. On a day that's had 3 conference calls already. I just had a customer walk in and accuse me of ignoring his message... as I pantomime to him that I have strep and he slowly backs away.
I can't answer the phone, but I'm swallowing without cringing and getting hungry! Tomorrow is a new day! Hopefully with real food and real words.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Rescued Daffodils
Saturday it snowed. I dashed out to the front yard and promptly picked every last one of my daffodils to rescue them from freezing. I figure, if they're going to die, I may as well get some enjoyment from having them in a vase on my countertop.
Today it's 81.
Tomorrow's forecast for a high of 51 and thunderstorms...
Welcome to the midwest. You don't like the weather? Stick around for a day or so - it'll change.
fleeting moments
Last night, before I tucked myself into bed, I snuck into my son's room. Daring to interrupt his precious sleep, I pulled him out of his crib and held him. My little angel. I stole snuggles and loves and thanked God for this treasure He's blessed me with.
My amazing special child for whom I could abandon all else just to spend the day discovering this world by his side. Every glorious moment of wonderment at what God has made for us; I am jealous of the newness with which my son experiences life. I am nearly depressed at the time I must spend away from him, ensuring he has a roof over his head, chicken nuggets, and (apple) sauce to his hearts delight.
But it's all so fleeting. This will only last such a short time and I am so afraid that I'm missing it - only too soon to be left behind.
Such is motherhood, regardless your employment situation I think. I just feel very desperately like clinging to him right now, so that's exactly what I did. I held him close and listened for God in his breaths. And I'm feeling a little better now. If not slightly weepy.
My amazing special child for whom I could abandon all else just to spend the day discovering this world by his side. Every glorious moment of wonderment at what God has made for us; I am jealous of the newness with which my son experiences life. I am nearly depressed at the time I must spend away from him, ensuring he has a roof over his head, chicken nuggets, and (apple) sauce to his hearts delight.
But it's all so fleeting. This will only last such a short time and I am so afraid that I'm missing it - only too soon to be left behind.
Such is motherhood, regardless your employment situation I think. I just feel very desperately like clinging to him right now, so that's exactly what I did. I held him close and listened for God in his breaths. And I'm feeling a little better now. If not slightly weepy.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Trader Joe's
If I didn't already know Kansas, and all the good it would bring our life, finding out that the nearest Trader Joe's was a good 4-1/2 hours away would have been a deal-breaker!
I have, for the most part, (begrudgingly) learned to cope. For some reason though, today especially, I find myself missing Trader Joe's!
I miss strolling thru the aisles, grazing the sample booth, and reading the signs. I miss the pizza crust, the dairy case, snacks, frozen enchiladas & tamales, and the flowers. The flowers! It's great that I have friends and loved ones in CA who keep us supplied with the things we haven't found substitutes for out here, but it's just not the same.
Trader Joe's isn't just a grocery store - it's an experience. Like a farmer's market. You can't send a friend for seasonal items. Sure, you could say - would you bring back some tomatoes - but if you didn't say that organic heirloom were okay, would they know you'd like them better? (and then there's the whole shipping issue...)
So, I'm reaching out to all my friends here on the WWW! (power in numbers, right) Please join me in petitioning Trader Joe's to open a location here in the Kansas City/Johnson County area!
Gimmie my Trader Joe's! (please)
I have, for the most part, (begrudgingly) learned to cope. For some reason though, today especially, I find myself missing Trader Joe's!
I miss strolling thru the aisles, grazing the sample booth, and reading the signs. I miss the pizza crust, the dairy case, snacks, frozen enchiladas & tamales, and the flowers. The flowers! It's great that I have friends and loved ones in CA who keep us supplied with the things we haven't found substitutes for out here, but it's just not the same.
Trader Joe's isn't just a grocery store - it's an experience. Like a farmer's market. You can't send a friend for seasonal items. Sure, you could say - would you bring back some tomatoes - but if you didn't say that organic heirloom were okay, would they know you'd like them better? (and then there's the whole shipping issue...)
So, I'm reaching out to all my friends here on the WWW! (power in numbers, right) Please join me in petitioning Trader Joe's to open a location here in the Kansas City/Johnson County area!
Gimmie my Trader Joe's! (please)
Thanks everyone for joining in! This "Caliansas" girl owes you a debt of gratitude. Or, a meal... immediately following my first trip to a Kansas TJ's!!
T.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
The Eye of God Upon You
Hebrews 4:12-16
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
My Gram e-mailed this to me today and it sent me searching scripture and stirred up a sermon in my heart. I hope it touches you all too. Thanks again Gram!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Spotty & Dotty Paws
My son brought home a small craft the other day with a bunch of Lisa Frank stickers on it!
There's something amazingly comforting in knowing that my dear childhood friend is still around, sharing her colorful (and somewhat phychedelic) spirit. Including, but not limited to Painter Panda, Dancing Dolphins, and my personal favorite Spotty & Dotty Paws! Who doesn't love multi-colored dalmations when they're 12? Who, I ask!!
Hip-Hip-Hooray for Lisa Frank! (who now operates out of a 320,000 sqft facility in Arizona... there's hope yet for the next generation!)
Happy day.
Who wants to play MASH?
There's something amazingly comforting in knowing that my dear childhood friend is still around, sharing her colorful (and somewhat phychedelic) spirit. Including, but not limited to Painter Panda, Dancing Dolphins, and my personal favorite Spotty & Dotty Paws! Who doesn't love multi-colored dalmations when they're 12? Who, I ask!!
Hip-Hip-Hooray for Lisa Frank! (who now operates out of a 320,000 sqft facility in Arizona... there's hope yet for the next generation!)
Happy day.
Who wants to play MASH?
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Vice President, John Wayne
When I heard the audio of Vice President Cheney's interview with ABC's Martha Raddatz I thought
so.
When our Vice President sounded amazingly like John Wayne, my reaction was
so.
So. You have to check this out. ABC is, of course, only playing part of the interview in video clips online. So. I found the full transcript.
Please do me a favor and read the transcript before you go hunting for a video because the only video (I could find) shows just this one little part:
So.
So - there's a whole big meaningful interview I hope you'll read.
I also think that it's ironic Charles Gibson is doing a bit to commemorate 5 years in Iraq. He's talking from the Iraqi's point of view and starts by saying that 55% of the Iraqi people believe the quality of life has improved, up from only 39% last summer.
Did you catch that? Let me break it down for you.
55% of Iraqi's think their life is better because of the sacrifices being made (ours and theirs). Up 16% since the troop surge... up, in contrast, to the approval rating of our Congress which is lingering somewhere around 21%. I think it's also an interesting tidbit that Congress' high rating was last summer, at 37%, and that it's dropped 16% since then... 16%... hmmmm... isn't that how much improved Iraqi's feel life is? I n t e r e s t i n g.
You see - here's the issue I hear being brought up by Cheney's reaction to, yet another question about, some popular opinion poll and how it should be impacting decisions made in the White House.
Our Vice President understands fully the gravity of the War in Iraq.
So.
He's not going to let the opinion of the spoiled brats here at home sway what he knows is good, even if it is difficult. (And did you catch his point that we might still have slavery if Lincoln had listened to popular opinion or quit when it became difficult?) And now we have a mixed race "black" man running for President.
And yes, you heard me right. I think most Americans are spoiled rotten brats. Why do you think we have wildly popular shows like Supernanny? In which they prove time and again it's not the kids misbehaving, it's the parents... you know, those people being asked questions in popular opinion polls... (who might not be able to tell you the name of our V.P)
Why don't we hear from our V.P. more often? I think American's would connect with John Wayne, ahem, excuse me - Dick Cheney.
so.
When our Vice President sounded amazingly like John Wayne, my reaction was
so.
So. You have to check this out. ABC is, of course, only playing part of the interview in video clips online. So. I found the full transcript.
Please do me a favor and read the transcript before you go hunting for a video because the only video (I could find) shows just this one little part:
MARTHA: Let me go back to the Americans. Two-thirds of Americans say it's not worth fighting, and they're looking at the value gain versus the cost in American lives, certainly, and Iraqi lives.
THE VICE PRESIDENT: So?
MARTHA: So -- you don't care what the American people think?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: No, I think you cannot be blown off course by the fluctuations in the public opinion polls. Think about what would have happened if Abraham Lincoln had paid attention to polls, if they had had polls during the Civil War. He never would have succeeded if he hadn't had a clear objective, a vision for where he wanted to go, and he was willing to withstand the slings and arrows of the political wars in order to get there. And this President has been very courageous, very consistent, very determined to continue down the course we were on and to achieve our objective. And that's victory in Iraq, that's the establishment of a democracy where there's never been a democracy, it's the establishment of a regime that respects the rights and liberties of their people, as an ally for the United States in the war against terror, and as a positive force for change in the Middle East. That's a huge accomplishment.
So.
So - there's a whole big meaningful interview I hope you'll read.
I also think that it's ironic Charles Gibson is doing a bit to commemorate 5 years in Iraq. He's talking from the Iraqi's point of view and starts by saying that 55% of the Iraqi people believe the quality of life has improved, up from only 39% last summer.
Did you catch that? Let me break it down for you.
55% of Iraqi's think their life is better because of the sacrifices being made (ours and theirs). Up 16% since the troop surge... up, in contrast, to the approval rating of our Congress which is lingering somewhere around 21%. I think it's also an interesting tidbit that Congress' high rating was last summer, at 37%, and that it's dropped 16% since then... 16%... hmmmm... isn't that how much improved Iraqi's feel life is? I n t e r e s t i n g.
You see - here's the issue I hear being brought up by Cheney's reaction to, yet another question about, some popular opinion poll and how it should be impacting decisions made in the White House.
Our Vice President understands fully the gravity of the War in Iraq.
So.
He's not going to let the opinion of the spoiled brats here at home sway what he knows is good, even if it is difficult. (And did you catch his point that we might still have slavery if Lincoln had listened to popular opinion or quit when it became difficult?) And now we have a mixed race "black" man running for President.
And yes, you heard me right. I think most Americans are spoiled rotten brats. Why do you think we have wildly popular shows like Supernanny? In which they prove time and again it's not the kids misbehaving, it's the parents... you know, those people being asked questions in popular opinion polls... (who might not be able to tell you the name of our V.P)
Why don't we hear from our V.P. more often? I think American's would connect with John Wayne, ahem, excuse me - Dick Cheney.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Book Review
I love this book!!
"I became a Christian and all I got was this lousy T-shirt" by Vince Antonucci.
You must go get it now and read it (if I haven't already slid a copy under your nose).
It was like a rollercoaster into my heart! One minute I'd laugh so hard I cried, the next I just cried. I heard God speak to me thru the stories and experiences shared by Vince. I don't think I've had a book affect me so personally before. Maybe it's just me, but I hope that it's the same for you. Because it's been one of those rides where you get off and run to the back of the line to have another go!
It is about being real; experiencing Christianity, not just admiring the brochure. It will ask you who you are, what you’re doing, and where you’re going. And as you go along you will find that the answers are demanded in several forms - to you personally, to God, and to whoever keeps you accountable.
Starting March 30th our church will launch an all-church study based on this book and the (free) companion materials offered thru Baker Books and Vince Antonucci. I help coordinate small groups and am so jazzed about this I am positive that the people in our church are going to start calling me the "Lousy" cheerleader... a title I'll wear proudly!
I would like to take this time to admit a couple things for those of you who have read the book already:
When Jesus got in the boat, he asked me "What are you doing?" Not like the friend wanting to know whatcha doin', or Mom scolding you - but in a gentle why-are-you-doing-that kind of way. I find that I am now asking myself this question on a regular basis thru my day.
I read this book before my husband but couldn't help myself when I got to death-wish dog and read the entire part out loud to him while we snarfled and snorted in fits of laughter.
I have challenged myself to spend more time reading God's word and listening to Him.
"I became a Christian and all I got was this lousy T-shirt" by Vince Antonucci.
You must go get it now and read it (if I haven't already slid a copy under your nose).
It was like a rollercoaster into my heart! One minute I'd laugh so hard I cried, the next I just cried. I heard God speak to me thru the stories and experiences shared by Vince. I don't think I've had a book affect me so personally before. Maybe it's just me, but I hope that it's the same for you. Because it's been one of those rides where you get off and run to the back of the line to have another go!
It is about being real; experiencing Christianity, not just admiring the brochure. It will ask you who you are, what you’re doing, and where you’re going. And as you go along you will find that the answers are demanded in several forms - to you personally, to God, and to whoever keeps you accountable.
Starting March 30th our church will launch an all-church study based on this book and the (free) companion materials offered thru Baker Books and Vince Antonucci. I help coordinate small groups and am so jazzed about this I am positive that the people in our church are going to start calling me the "Lousy" cheerleader... a title I'll wear proudly!
I would like to take this time to admit a couple things for those of you who have read the book already:
When Jesus got in the boat, he asked me "What are you doing?" Not like the friend wanting to know whatcha doin', or Mom scolding you - but in a gentle why-are-you-doing-that kind of way. I find that I am now asking myself this question on a regular basis thru my day.
I read this book before my husband but couldn't help myself when I got to death-wish dog and read the entire part out loud to him while we snarfled and snorted in fits of laughter.
I have challenged myself to spend more time reading God's word and listening to Him.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Lazy Morning
So this morning I woke quite peacefully. Surprizingly so, actually. There was a glint of sunlight when my alarm went off at 40 after and I didn't once hit the snooze button. I was surprised at how light out it was, but I've secretly hoped spring would sneak up on me so I just rejoiced my wish had come true and did a little happy-dance in my head.
I got ready and went downstairs, started my coffee and did my makeup & hair. I had some new breakfast cookies I found on sale at the grocery store so I pulled one of those from the cupboard, snatched one of my son's bananas, donned my coat and headed out.
As I backed out of the garage, I changed the radio to AM so I could hear the traffic. Ugly. I'd take my alternate route thru downtown. Traffic's not usually this heavy, but whatever. I glance at the clock and see that I managed to get out of the house a little ahead of schedule, it was only 23 after and I was already on the hwy! What a deal.
So, I turn north on to I-35, drive past one of my customer's locations and realize that I forgot to enter his order from Friday. Oops. Pricing went up too, so I'll have to manually change it. So I look at the clock again to calculate if the customer service manager will be in the office yet (so I can call and beg her to fix it for me) and realize that it's not 30 after six, it's 30 after SEVEN!!!
7:30?
7:30!!
I'm supposed to be in the office at 7:00! How is it 7:30?
And then it all makes sense...
I set my alarm for 6:40 instead of 5:40. That's why it's brighter outside. That's why there's more traffic. That's why I didn't jam the snooze button loathing having to leave my warm snuggly spot.
I should really consider going to bed earlier.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Readability
Okay, so this is just fun... my friend Liz told me about this.
You enter your blog address and it tells you what reading level you're writing at. I am evidentally still in HS. This makes me believe that I'm not reading enough, but I'm okay with it. It puts me above the LA Times' Jr. High score, so I'll reason that it's nothing to scoff at. Yay for me!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Stupid People
On one of my regular trips to QT (QuikTrip is the midwest's AM/PM on steriods for those of you not privy to it's splendors) Anyway - I'm a regular so I trot in like I own the place, grab a cup and hit a traffic jam at the ice machine... What? QT is like a demonstration in process flow, even at their busiest times you can breeze in for a sip, so what's gumming up the process?
Stupid people.
So I watch as, oh, maybe 5 different people attempt in vein to get ice from one of the 4, count them *4* dispensers when you can quite visbly see that there's a hunk of cubes lodged in the chute. Braniacs. But it gets better.
Now, I don't exactly consider myself a genius. Bright, sure, but not some more highly evolved version of the human species, I figure I just try harder. Well, maybe I've been wrong. Because I, in all my normalcy, walk 2 feet away, grab a straw and proceed to stab it up the chute repeatedly, dislodge the ice chunk and get my ice. Here's where it gets weird. I then realize that I have an audience. And I'm thinking, is this what the first ape who used a tool felt like? This is not rocket science people... man has been using tools to accomplish tasks for ages, literally. And here I am, straw in hand being sized up by on lookers as some sort of miracle.
Wow.
Years ago, working on the phone in customer service I doodled a little gal, frazzled, pulling her hair out and screaming "No More Stupid People!!!". I find the phrase threaputic to this day.
Stupid people.
So I watch as, oh, maybe 5 different people attempt in vein to get ice from one of the 4, count them *4* dispensers when you can quite visbly see that there's a hunk of cubes lodged in the chute. Braniacs. But it gets better.
Now, I don't exactly consider myself a genius. Bright, sure, but not some more highly evolved version of the human species, I figure I just try harder. Well, maybe I've been wrong. Because I, in all my normalcy, walk 2 feet away, grab a straw and proceed to stab it up the chute repeatedly, dislodge the ice chunk and get my ice. Here's where it gets weird. I then realize that I have an audience. And I'm thinking, is this what the first ape who used a tool felt like? This is not rocket science people... man has been using tools to accomplish tasks for ages, literally. And here I am, straw in hand being sized up by on lookers as some sort of miracle.
Wow.
Years ago, working on the phone in customer service I doodled a little gal, frazzled, pulling her hair out and screaming "No More Stupid People!!!". I find the phrase threaputic to this day.
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