I Love My Cats, I Love My Cats, I Love My Cats...

...but sometimes they just really take me there.

Having lived with cats my whole life, I have become accustomed to the "gifts" they drag in. The rabbits, mice, chipmunks, and birds... dead and alive. But I have to say... the "new gifts" and the consistancy that I've been dealing with it this past year, I don't know whether to laugh, yell, or cry. There is usually a lot of hmphing, groaning and eye rolling!

Missy Bug (how appropriate that name turned out to be) is the biggest culprit. She is constantly bringing in bugs of all sorts. The worst one... ohhh... was this big bug, I could hear it coming way before I knew she was bringing it. I could hear this noise... and this hissing... I didn't know what it was or where it was coming from. I was like, "What is that?", "What is that?" My head was up, kind of cocked, listening. Was it on tv, was it outside, what the heck is that?

Then she appears and drops it near me... this huge bug with what looked like pinchers at it's mouth. It was fighting back and hissing soooo loud! She tried to get hold of it again but it was biting or pinching her. I had to get a jar and chase it around a bit to capture it and take it outside. Not the highlight of my night!

Since then I have had multitudes of bugs, moths, lizards, and frogs. Specifically these little mini frogs, I thought they were just babies but they never seem to grow up. They are always that same small size. I'm finding them eveywhere, usually dead and dried up. I'm constantly vacuuming them up. Aaauuugh! And now these grasshopper looking things, but they are shorter, stouter, and very bright green with these strong wings.

Yesterday I saw a lump on the floor and thought, "What now?" It was a lump of clay. She had brought in a clay ball from under the deck. Guess that's what she was chasing all over the living room.

Tonight, oh tonight, never expected this... I heard her under the table playing with something. *eyes roll* Missy! I turned the overhead light on and I see something slim and stretched out... moving. Good Lord, she brought in an EARTHWORM! Have you ever known a cat to bring in an earthworm. I don't know what I'm gonna do with her! Thank heavens fall and winter is coming... hopefully I can get a little break from all this. I'm half afraid she's gonna drag a snake in next!

Missy Bug a year ago.

She has the softest, silkiest fur. And her fuzzy little paws... I adore it when she wraps them around my feet or ankles, it's so sweet. I want to hug and sqeeze and cuddle her all the time... but she absolutely HATES to be held. She squirms and fights and growls so loud you think she's gonna turn on you in a flash. But she doesn't... she's just a noise maker. I hug her and kiss her and love her all up, then I make a big production of letting her go. That way she knows she didn't have to struggle to get away, I let her go. She's a stray I took in from the wild when she was about 2 months old, so she has some issues. Before she would take off and put some distance between us. She wouldn't let me near for a little while. Now, I love her up and set her down... she'll look at me for a few then come over and curl up between my feet.

She still has issues with visitors but it's getting better. If someone walked up to the house or God forbid, came inside, she was out the cat door, across the yard, and under the neighbor's fence in a flash. She wouldn't come back for hours, and when she did, she would only come as far as the bush next to the fence. I would have to go out and coax her to me so I could catch her and carry her in (struggling and growling the whole way) to show her that is was now safe. Now she races into the guest room to hide under the bed or into my room under the dresser. If the visitor sits down and remains relatively still and quiet, she'll come out to visit... keeping her distance, of course. Only once did she come out and act relatively normal, sitting in the open and coming close. That was with my friend Pat. I used to work with him and once in awhile he stops in for a visit. She felt comfortable enough with him. He's a cat lover too and understands the situation. He doesn't go flitting about making loud noises or quick movements. My nephew, CJ, has done pretty good also. He sat still while she came in from outside and made her way into my bedroom.

Missy & Jack

Missy



Missy & Simon On The Deck

Simon On The Deck

Missy & Simon - Nap Mates





Three Of My Favorite Baby Missy Pics

She was so little.

Jackson

Major ACORN Update!

U.S. House of Representatives have voted to stop ALL Federal funds to ACORN!


The House voted 345-75 to strike ACORN funding from a student aid bill with two voting present.

The Defund ACORN Act prohibits any "federal contract grant, cooperative agreement or any other form of agreement (including a memorandum of understanding" from being awarded to or entered into with the group. It also prohibits federal funds "in any other form" from being provided.

Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, suggested the vote is essentially symbolic because the student aid bill did not actually provide any funding to ACORN.

However, the language refers to all federal contracts so it applies to any federal money.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., who introduced the "motion to recommit" attached to the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, said the decision followed a Senate vote on Monday to strip housing funds for ACORN and the Census Bureau's decision last week to cut ties to the group.

"The battle, however, to deny ACORN federal funding is not over until the president signs the bill into law. ACORN gave significant support to Democrats and Americans must remain vigilant to avoid backtracking or efforts to water down prohibitions denying Federal funds to this corrupt organization," said


At this time, however, I don't trust Obama to do what is right. On one hand, I think, how can he not sign it. If anything else happens, if anything more comes out or gets uncovered... it'll ALL be on him and him alone! Surely he wouldn't risk his presidency over such a corrupt organization? On the other hand, ACORN gave him a lot of support. Obama made ACORN promises of helping to shape his agenda and who knows what else. I do know Obama and his administration were throwing an awful lot of power and money ACORN's way. So, is he prepared to not just turn his back on them but pitch them overboard completely? And I certainly hope he doesn't try to use this situation to bargain through his health care agenda! A little tit-for-tat to garner Republican support! Only time will tell.


This part did not suprise me at all:

The 75 lawmakers who voted "no" and two who voted "present" were all Democrats.

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REPS that voted FOR cutting funds to ACORN:






REPS that voted AGAINST cutting funds to ACORN:




REPS that voted PRESENT (neither For or Against) cutting funds to ACORN:




REPS that DID NOT VOTE on cutting funds to ACORN:




Here's the link to the vote results: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll718.xml

Washington Protest - 9/12/09

Wish I could have been there...






Received an email with pics from the march. Loved the signs!





























WALNUT
Workers Against Lazy Non-Producers United Together


























Go here to read about it.

4th ACORN bust!

This woman goes even further, admitting to shooting her ex-husband and "laying the groundwork" before doing the deed. She then goes on to threatening her friend's life if he speaks to anyone about the prostitution situation.

ACORN Updates

- One major victory... The Census Bureau drops ACORN from doing the 2010 Census next year.

- The Brooklyn, NY ACORN office is being investigated by the DA, their tax exempt status is now in question.

- Senate votes 83-7 to end ACORN housing funding. HUD money blocked. Who are the seven who voted against this? Sens. Roland Burris, D-Ill.; Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; Bob Casey, D-Pa.; Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.; Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.; Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.; and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., voted against the Senate measure. If these are your Senators, be wary, they obviously don't have a problem with corruption.

- Arrests in Florida of 11 ACORN workers accused of voter registration fraud.

- ACORN Illegally Operating in Maryland: by Mike Roman
Last week, we saw some pretty disturbing activities revealed in the undercover footage from ACORN Housing’s Baltimore office. By any measure of conduct, the actions of ACORN’s employees should never have happened. It turns out the actions shouldn’t have happened for another, very simple, reason: ACORN can’t legally operate in the state of Maryland.

According to the following documents, ACORN, Inc.–the parent organization of all things ACORN–forfeited its corporate charter in Maryland in 2006. ACORN Housing forfeited its corporate charter in 2008. Any ACORN office in the state of Maryland is potentially operating illegally.

The Maryland Attorney General has made noise about prosecuting the intrepid journalists who undercovered the misdeeds of ACORN employees. Perhaps he should focus instead on how ACORN was able to operate without a license in his state.










(view documents)

Yet Another ACORN Bust!

First bust exposed was Baltimore, MD, second bust was Washington, DC, and now it's Brooklyn, NY. Sounding more and more like a systemic problem not a "few rogue employees" scenerio.

What is going on? I guess we're starting to see just what it is "community organizers" do!

The women from the first two busts have been fired, let's see if these women are also let go.

Another ACORN Bust!

I can't believe these women don't even bat an eye over what is being suggested... this is basically child slave labor, human tafficking, child abuse, child endangerment, abuse of human rights just to name a few. Not only didn't they bat an eye, they encouraged and gave tips on how to get away with it. I'm appalled! Just goes to show you... women in power are just as dangerous as men. This is an embarrassment to our government and to our country... that so much corruption in one organization has been allowed to continue for so long. I am disgusted and angry that they receive tax money to continue their corruption.

Step back and take a look at the bigger picture. These women's reactions, comments and aid suggest that this isn't the first time they've come across this. Even if it was, and if this situation wasn't undercover... they aided and abetted criminal acts! They just put our government, our tax dollars, in the business of human trafficking, slave labor and child prostitution. Just think about that for a minute... you, as a taxpayer, are subsidizing this venture! Does this make you proud to be an American?

There needs to be a major investigation into ACORN and all tax dollars and stimulus funds need to be halted until that happens!

ACORN Corruption Continues - Caught On Video

Whoa baby!!

After all the corruption surrounding ACORN during the election last fall, with nothing really being done about it... I figured, given enough time, they'd burn their own house down. You can hide that much corruption for only so long! They were getting too big, too arrogant, getting too much money and too much recognition from this Administration.

Obama is gonna have to pitch 'em overboard or risk being pulled down with them. What did he say last year while campaigning... something about the people he surrounds himself with. Yep, I keep taking note of those surrounding him as they pop up over and over again in the news... investigations, stepping down, caught on video... Is this what is meant by Chicago-style politics? Surround yourself with the most corrupt, liberal, socialistic people/groups you can find? Sort of a Russian roulette, throw the dice kind of thing? Fool the people and get away with it all by slight of hand or go down in flames?!













Is the public and the media finally going to admit just how corrupt this organization really is? Only time will tell!

Obama's Latest Health Care Speech: In My Opinion

Personally, I found the speech inflammatory. For a speech meant to bring both sides together in agreement on what should be done (or so I thought)... the President's remarks were partisan and very offensive.

On the issue, it is my opinion that the President must think we are a bunch of idiots to believe that this will not cost any more tax payer dollars... that it will be funded by waste and fraud saved in other programs! If there is that much waste and fraud, and if it's that easy to find, why hasn't something been done already?

Look at all the government-run programs that are broken and running out of money: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the govt-run health program for Native Americans on reservations. Do you really think this will be any different? REALLY?! There is one thing I know for sure.... the government cannot manage money!!!

And just so you know whose perspective you're getting here.... I have no health insurance, I am laid off and I can't afford health insurance, and I have cancer! But I am not about to get on THIS health care reform bandwagon! Not until the liberal left get a little realistic. Nothing will change if it HAS to be done in one fell swoop! Make changes that make sense and start there.


Changes I can get on board with:

- Health Insurance oversight.
- Tort Reform is a must.
- Cleaning up fraud and waste.
- Open health insurance across state lines.
- Make it illegal to to turn down or water down coverage for individuals for pre-existing conditions.
- Make it illegal to terminate individual's coverage because they are ill.
- Tax break for companies that provide employee's with coverage.


Overall, I agree with this comment I saw on a blog:

"Hmm…. Looks like some folks think government is built to deliver health care. Now that is insane. The more weighty matter is that DOH already is so massive it already threatens our ability to put more to constructive defense spending and innovation. Last time I checked the founding fathers put the government to defend the people not run the nations medical industry. Ask yourself a question – when is the last time government was efficient? When was the last time it wasn’t political?"


So, there you have it... my thoughts, my opinion, on the subject of Health Care Reform.

Migraines

I had a friend who suffered with migraines. For reasons still unknown to me, she decided to cut me out her life a few months ago; but, when I saw this article it caused me to pause since it had become a bit of habit to keep my eye out for migraine help. So I decided to post it here in hope that others may find it helpful.


Foods that could trigger a nasty headache

My friend Charlene pinged me. She had a miserable headache over the weekend. It wasn't just any miserable headache -- it was a miserable headache caused by citrus.

After retracing her day, Charlene realized that the three delicious tangerines were the culprit. She thought she was just enjoying a very tasty, healthy snack, but she was also triggering pain.

Some experts say that citrus and other foods may trigger headaches because the people consuming them may have an enzyme deficiency. The enzyme they are lacking is necessary for neutralizing amines in foods. Some foods have large quantities of amines, and without the enzyme, headaches (and even migraines) can be stimulated.

Still, gobbling up an orange (or three) might seem harmless. If you are one of the 28 million Americans who suffer from migraines, taking note of how foods affect your body could be critical in preventing future headaches. One new theory is that craving certain foods could also signal a coming migraine. These kinds of migraines are also made more unpredictable because eating the food may not trigger pain every single time, and because food could team up with other triggers (like bright lights or stress) to induce a migraine.

Some other foods and beverages thought to trigger headaches include:

• Aged cheese and those cheeses containing tyramine, a natural substance that builds up as food ages. Tyramine in high levels has been shown to cause hypertension, which is a particular concern for people who take MAO inhibitor medication to treat migraines. Blue cheese, brie, cheddar, Stilton, feta, gorgonzola, mozzarella, muenster, Parmesan, Swiss, and processed cheeses often contain high levels of tyramine.
  
• Other salted, cured, processed, and canned foods that are high in tyramine. Take note of how your body reacts when you eat pickles, olives, and canned soups. Beans can also contain headache-triggering tyramine, especially fava, pinto, garbanzo, and lima beans.
  
• Alcohol, which could prompt headaches as it is metabolized in the body. Pay particular attention when you drink red wine, beer, whiskey, and champagne, which have been identified as triggers.

There is a long list of foods that headache and migraine sufferers say cause their pain. Some of them might surprise you, including:

• Peanuts and peanut butter
• Potato chips
• Pizza
• Fresh fruits like kiwi, plums, and raspberries
• Bread and crackers

Have you had a miserable headache or migraine that you thought was caused by food? What was the culprit?

Do you avoid common foods like these that could prompt pain?


Read more:
Surprising cures for migraines
5 things you didn't know about headaches
One more reason to lay off the caffeine

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Foods that trigger migraines

Migraine headaches are a disease that affects a lot of people and it is not yet known what are the exact causes of migraine headaches. A lot of research institutes identified a number of migraine headache causes and among those causes they include food as a major factor. Food can certainly play an important role for the existence of migraine headaches. This article is about foods that trigger migraines and what you can do to prevent the crisis.

The food seems to affect the frequency and intensity of migraines in some people. Often, people with migraines are sensitive to some foods. However, the exclusion of specific foods is not a formally accepted treatment for migraines.

Why do some foods trigger migraines?

One theory is that some foods may release certain chemicals, which can lead to migraines. The tyramine (found in cheese), the fainylaithylamini (found in chocolate), the tyrosine, glutamic mononatrio (used in Chinese food), aspartame, caffeine, sulphites – nitrites (found in processed meat) appears to be involved in causing migraines.

Also, different types of food cause varying degrees of vasodilatation or vasoconstriction, which can cause headaches. Another theory argues that some foods stimulate specific regions of the brain, leading to migraines. Nevertheless, the scientific literature does not lead to the formulation of clear conclusion.

What foods can trigger migraines?

A study of 577 people suffering from migraines showed that the foods more closely associated with their headaches was cheese, chocolate, red wine and beer. Another research found that the headache was common in patients with no resistance to gluten, with or without histological findings of intestinal lesions. Also other foods that trigger migraines are all nuts, the peanut butter, vinegar, prepared sauces (mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise), the avocado and animal intestines.

Second, the interruption of use of caffeine may cause headaches in some people, so consumption should not be exaggerated. The interruption of even a cup of coffee (or 2 cups of tea or 3 soft drink of type cola) can cause muscle pain, fatigue, fainting and headache.

Other established research about foods that trigger migraines showed that the following foods types are suspects for a migraine headaches crisis.

The chocolate
Cheese
Spirits
Coffee
Seafood
Citrus

Many experts also believe that those who manifest migraine after consumption of these foods may have an enzyme deficiency in fainolsoulfotransferasi (PST).

This enzyme has the capacity to neutralize a group of substances called amines that exist in large quantities in the above foods. But when the enzyme is missing from the body, then the levels of amines increase, stimulating the platelet agglutination (blood) in the brain, giving a mandate to initiate migraine.

The rates with which different foods trigger migraines are:
74% chocolate
47% cheese
30% citrus
18% fat and fried
15% tea and coffee
14% meat, especially pork
10% of seafood


Supplements to help reverse the effects of foods on migraine headaches

In the treatment of migraines a lot of supplements has been used including riboflavin, magnesium, and Tanacetum parthenium. The large doses of riboflavin (400 mg / daily) were well tolerated with minimal side effects and were quite effective, since their headaches decreased significantly. The effect is maximized after taking the supplement for at least 3 months. High dose of magnesium (600 mg / daily) can reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of migraine by 40% after 12 weeks. The most secure form of the supplement is considered the magnesium citrate. Finally, the investigations so far do not lead to a safe conclusion about the effectiveness of Tanacetum parthenium in the treatment of migraine.

Furthermore, it is believed that omega-3 fatty acids of fish and ginger can help those who suffer from migraines because of antihistamines and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to do to identify which foods help trigger migraines

The first step is to keep a food diary. Record what you eat and drink, but all your natural symptoms. It is very important to note the time you eat. After a month, read your calendar and look for recurring patterns. If you believe that you have discovered a link between eating and headaches, try to restrict the food for a month and watch the progress of symptoms. Keep in mind however that the various food manufacturers add different materials e.g. chocolate, explaining why a brand can cause you headache, and another not.

Foods that help prevent migraine headaches

The salmon, spinach, the ginger, mushrooms, according to several established research could help prevent migraine headaches crisis.

Other factors that can trigger a migraine headache crisis are:

Alcohol and red wine in particular.
Smoking.
Stress and fatigue.
Abnormal vision, misapplication of eye glasses.
Physical and sexual activity. (The headache after orgasm is usually harmless, but if it is intense and persists may indicate bleeding)
Changes in sleeping and eating hours.
Changes of time, weather, long journeys.
Hormonal changes. Menopause. Replacement therapy with estrogen.
Strong lights, strong noise, strong perfumes, and polluted air.

There are a lot of types of foods that trigger migraines. It is important to keep a dairy and log what you eat and drink before the emerge of a migraine headache crisis. You can then remove temporarily those foods from your diet and see if the problem still exists. In any case you need to get consultation from a professional doctor to help you find the right treatment for migraine headaches.

The Stoning of Soraya M

The Stoning of Soraya M, a film based on the true-life story of a woman who was unjustly accused of adultery in her Middle East village and violently killed. Stars Shohreh Aghdashloo, the Academy-Award nominated actress of The House of Sand and Fog and Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ), is expanding to theaters across the country this weekend. I will caution you that the film is a brutally honest portrayal of the persecution of women who cannot fight for themselves in many Islamic countries.

Steve McEveety, who produced the film, says he made the movie because he is "pro-woman, pro-freedom, and pro-life." In a letter to audiences, he writes, "Some will argue that the violence in this picture is too much, but I would argue that if I didn't show this brutality, it would be a disservice to the women who have fallen victim... When you see this film, you will help bear witness to one woman's legacy and help save others from experiencing such atrocities."

A Journey Home

I came across this in an AFA (American Family Association) email and I thought I'd check it out. I started watching and wasn't sure if I would continue, it didn't seem like my thing... and 45 minutes!

After the first couple minutes I was hooked, it drew me in! I found it fascinating... a hard life, but a loving and worthy life. To give up a life that you had known and move your family to begin a new and unfamiliar life. What courage! It is worth watching.


A 45-minute inspirational movie.

"Winner of the Jubilee Award for Best Documentary at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, A Journey Home tells the story of the extraordinary path traveled by Tommy Waller, his wife Sherri, and their 11 children."

http://www.afa.net/journeyhome/index.htm

Ahhhhhhhh... Finally! New Computer!

Last Wednesday night, near tears of frustration, I called my sister. "I've had enough... I can't take it any longer... do you want to help me go shopping for a new computer?"

My computer is really outdated... it was a chore to use it. I didn't get on it unless I had to. I could only do so much before everything was at a crawl, I could only have a couple programs running at a time, and I kept getting messages that I didn't have enough memory... etc. Sometimes I would try to open a program and nothing would happen... it didn't even have enough memory left to pop up a message. PURE TORTURE! I would end up having to walk away saying, "That's it, I've had enough for today." I really wasn't accomplishing anything worthwhile.

We decided to go Friday morning... I had already researched different computers and prices. Thought I had found "the one" at Sam's Club when I stumbled across this one at Wal-Mart. It was a $100 more but twice as good in some ways. Really well worth the extra money.

I checked Wal-Mart online for the stores that had them in stock. The computer I wanted was at a store about 45 minutes away... we rushed over, but they were out. She said two of them had just walked out. We came to find out they 'walked out the garden center'... they were stolen... about 10 minutes before we got there. The associate called two other area stores that showed them in stock. The one store was a half hour away. We called and explained we were on our way and could they hold one for us... they had one left and wouldn't hold it. Buttheads! So we rushed over, Laura dropped me off at the door and I ran in while she and the kids parked the van. I grabbed that thing and hoisted it onto my cart... it was MINE!

Initially I planned on getting one with at least 4 GB of RAM... I knew it takes at least 3 GB to run Windows Vista. **I dread having to get Windows Vista** Hard drive space is not my problem... I have an external hard drive that I keep all my stuff on in case my computer dies. So the 80 GB on my computer was fine... I needed speed and memory. I found an affordable one at Sam's with 6 GB RAM (expandable to 8 GB), Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor, 500 GB Hard Drive, 128 MB graphics memory, 24" widescreen flat panel monitor. I thought 6 GB RAM... oh yeah! I always bought lower priced setups that end up quickly becoming outdated. I wanted to be ahead of the game this time... even if it was just a little bit.

Then I found this gem! 7 GB RAM (expandable to 16 GB), AMD Phenom Quad-Core Processor, 750 GB Hard Drive, 256 MB graphics memory, 23" widescreen flat panel monitor and Windows Vista 64-bit (instead of the 32-bit). It was like Christmas!!!! Whoohoo!

The computer I was replacing I bought in 2004 and was an 80 GB hard drive, 256 MB RAM, Celeron Processor, 17" box monitor. Don't know what the graphics memory was. It was better than my first computer... which I bought in 1998. That one was only a 2GB Hard Drive and 32 MB RAM! *LOL* I have flash drives with more space and speed! *LMAO* I look at my 2 GB flash drive and think... this is my first computer and it's no bigger than a pack of gum.... Wow, so much has changed so quickly.

So I have spent the last few days switching over and setting up my new computer. One of the down sides is that with Windows Vista 64-bit a lot of my older programs are no longer compatible. *whaaa* Some I've had for 10 years and I know how to use them. That means I'm gonna have to find new ones and really take the time to learn them. Ugh! But overall I am soooo satisfied with my new computer... I did a good job. Used to be when McAfee updated it would shut me down for about an hour and a half to 2 hours. Now the only way I know it's updated is a slight hesitation for a few seconds as a message pops up stating an update and install has been completed. My email pops up in a blink of an eye, webpages turn in seconds instead of minutes, downloads are like hiccups, I'm flippin' around the internet doing things I haven't been able to do for quite awhile. Life is good again! *LOL*

Now... if only getting a job was that easy! I've been laid off for 5 months now. People like me get caught in a catch-22. Not enough open positions in the type of work I do... when something does pop up there is a lot of competition with so many out of work right now. You think you'll settle for anything that will pay some bills, but some companies won't hire you because they see what you've done in the past and how much you were making... they know if and when something better comes along you'll take it and they don't want to invest the time and money if you're not going to stay.

Oh well... I just keep plugging away. It's in God's hands and there must be a reason... I just won't understand until it happens. Then it will be one of those 'a-ha' moments. An, "Okay, now I get it!" type of situation.

Glenn Beck: The Letter

Glenn Beck - Current Events & Politics - Glenn Beck: The Letter

June 19, 2009 - 7:45 ET

GLENN: I got a letter from a woman in Arizona. She writes an open letter to our nation's leadership:

I'm a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would horribly feel so disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut job am I? Will you please tell me?

Well, these are briefly my views and issues for which I seek representation:

One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I'm not a racist. This isn't to be confused with legal immigration.

Two, the TARP bill, I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you no, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.

Three: Czars, I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.

Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There is more to say.

Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night and then go on break. Slow down!

Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real obligations. Why don't you start there.

Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes. Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census over with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.

Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person. Why do you want me to hate my employers? Why ‑‑ what do you have against shareholders making a profit?

Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. Have you ever ripped off a Band‑Aid? We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please try ‑‑ please stop manipulating and trying to appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now.

Take a breath. Listen to the people. Let's just slow down and get some input from some nonpoliticians on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.

I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is such urgency and recklessness in all of the recent spending.

From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on you to bring our concerns to Washington. Our president often knows all the right buzzword is unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we're morons.

We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work , pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone and we are now looking up at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us when he will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.

Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you. If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming.




If you feel the same way, then please take a moment and sign the petition!

Sign the petition: An open letter to our nation's leadership.


(I signed it... # 106172)

"After Eden" Cartoon

Saw this in my "Answers In Genesis" email... thought it made a great point in a very humorous way. Had to share.

A Father's Decision

My mom sent me an email this morning. Usually I don't get on my computer before I go to work, but I wanted to check the weather and I saw mom had sent an email so I looked real quick. Wrong move!


A Father's Decision

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's pastor slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit, and before he gave his sermon for the evening, he briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening. In the introduction, the pastor told the congregation that the guest minister was one of his dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few moments to greet the church and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service.

With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak. "A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the pacific coast," he began. “When a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to the shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and the three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized.”

The old man hesitated for a moment; making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story.

The aged minister continued with his story, “grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life: to which boy would he throw the other end of the lifeline. He only had seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a Christian, and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves. As the father yelled out, 'I love you, son!' he threw out the lifeline to his son's friend. By the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never recovered.”

By this time, the two teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old minister's mouth.

'The father,” he continued, “knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus... Therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son's friend.”

“How great is the love of God that He should do the same for us. Our Heavenly Father sacrificed His only begotten Son that we could be saved. I urge you to accept His offer to rescue you and take a hold of the lifeline He is throwing out to you in this service.”

With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room. The pastor again walked slowly to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon with an invitation at the end. However, no one responded to the appeal.

Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side. “That was a nice story,” politely stated one of them, “but I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his only son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian.”

“Well, you've got a point there,” the old man replied, glancing down at his worn bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face. He once again looked up at the boys and said, “It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But, I'm standing here today to tell you that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up his Son for me. You see... I was that father and your pastor is my son's friend.”


Now dry YOUR eyes and get yourself back together. I know I didn't need a cry before I had to drive to work. Thanks mom! But what an amazing and moving story.

6-Month Oncology Checkup

I had my 6-month checkup with my oncologist... he told me my radiation doctor was doing incredibly well. He was t-boned by a commuter bus over the holidays. My checkup was good, did the normal bloodwork, visually checked my body for anything that looked out of sorts, then he physically feels my abdomen, arms, legs, neck, and lymph nodes for any lumps or bumps. Nothing found. The PET scan didn't show any other cancer lurking in my body. At this point in time, I now know I don't have any breast cancer to be worried about. The PET scan would have showed it if there was. Good to know. So, other than this lymphoma that's continues to hang out around my upper arm... I'm good to go.

I saw the lady at the hospital's finacial aid office. I currently owe over $4,000.00 to the hospital, not counting other outside services they use. She was able to bring it down so that all I will have to pay is $1000. If I do get laid off, I have to call and let her know and she'll be able to totally wipe out my debt. That was a huge relief. Having that kind of debt in these times is very stressful!

NC Snow Pics

Here are some pics I took the day of the snow.

Missy's First Snow - I took a handful in for her to check out.

These three pics I took when I got up for work. I was checking out the situation, trying to decide how long I should wait before venturing out into it. I have a 45 minute drive to work, thank God my boss told me not to come in.

These pics were taken later in the morning.

My bird feeders that dad put up for me.

Looking out my office window.

The Bridge - w/scenes from "Most"

I came across this on GodTube... very moving. The video here is a visual summary with clips of the short film, "Most". I would love to purchase the movie when I get a chance.

"It features scenes from the short film "Most", the story of a bridge operator who is forced to choose between the life of the son he loves dearly and a train filled with people."


The Bridge





PS - I hope it brings you to tears as it did me. If it moved you too, I hope you support it by ordering a copy at the official movie website. They are currently offering a 2 for 1 special, give one to your church as a gift. They also offer bulk pricing.


"Most" - http://www.mostthemovie.com/

The 44 Presidents of the United States of America

Thought this was pretty neat.


George Washington To Barack Obama - A Long Way

Breathing A Sigh Of Relief...

It's been a stressful week... I found out, as I was leaving work last Friday, that the company I work for is out of money and I wouldn't be getting paid this week. Kept me in panic mode all weekend. I had a heaviness in the center of my chest, I was breathing heavy like I was constantly out of breath. I was nauseous.

All these things that needed to be done were swirling around in my head so fast. I was in such a panic that I couldn't figure out what to do first. I ended up standing still, majorly overwhelmed. I eventually gave it over to God, because it was pretty much out of my hands, why should I be stressing this hard over something I couldn't do anything about. It's hard to do when you're in the middle of that kind of panic.

When I went to see the doctor for my radiation follow-up Tuesday, my blood pressure was 177. Not good! It's never been that high.

I'm happy to report that last night before I left I was informed that we were getting some money from the investors. So I will get paid... might be a few days later, but I will get paid. Whew! Thank you, Lord.

Week Update

Let's see... went back to work Monday. Dead tired! About 2 AM Sunday night/actually Monday morning, I guess Jackie Cat (Jackson) attempted to jump from the counter to the top of the refrigerator to get on top of the cupboards to hide or get away from Missy Bug. What exactly happened and why... who knows for sure! All I do know that I was in bed and heard a horrendous crash. Not something where you roll over saying, "I'll see what it was in the morning." Kind of like when I hear Jack throwing up in the middle of the night, I'm not jumping out of bed to clean it up, it'll be there in the morning. Just make a mental note to watch where I walk when I do get up!

This was big-crash-need-to-check-out-NOW noise! I didn't see anything in the livingroom, or the spare bedrooms, but as I come back out through the little hall... I see stuff all over the kitchen floor. And Jack barely able to walk. I whisked him up and and laid him on the bed; gently started pressing around his leg and foot. He was making alot of noise, I knew he was in some pain. Jack has had bad injuries before but never growled at me. I was afraid he may have broken something. His leg felt like knotted muscles or something. I thought maybe torn muscle or charlie horse... you know, panicky thoughts when an animal gets injured in the middle of the night. No one to call, unless of course, you feel it is a very real medical emergency and call the vet for an outrageously high-priced emergency room visit.

Well, I attempted to put ice on it... but my ice bag was old and sprung a pretty big leak. I tried draining the water out and just put the bag of ice on it - lightly. He was having nothing to do with that. So I gave him half a diazepam then just held and petted him. Gave him a back and shoulder rub. I heard that purring causes some chemical stuff to release in their brains helping to soothe them and dull pain or discomfort. (Never assume that a purring cat is happy, he may be injured, nervous, or scared.) After about an hour and a half, we finally got to sleep.

In the morning he seemed a little better. He was limping pretty good but was walking. When I got home he was sleeping on my bed, which is pretty much where he's stayed for several days. He's much better now, slightly limping if he over exerts.

Now Missy Bug... when I came home Monday night, she was back to her rip-tearing self.

Tuesday afternoon I received a call from my radiation doctor's office. I had an appointment for this coming Monday. They needed to reschedule it because my doctor was in an accident over the holidays. He was hit buy a transit bus. I guess they were unsure about his condition there for awhile. He is doing better now, out of the woods, but he will not be able to come back to work for a few months. They had to reschedule me with another doctor. Totally blew me away. How awful for him... and his family.

On Wednesday the office had, much to my surprise, a belated birthday lunch for me. Wanda ran around getting everything. She stopped at Olive Garden and picked up a big salad, dressing, and garlic breadsticks; Food Lion, I believe, for one of those roasted chickens and some drinks. She picked up plates, silverware, cups, a tray of dessert cakes. My oh my! It was really nice.

Last night... really funny. Ever have a burp pop out, literally out of nowhere, leaving you thinking, "Where the heck did that come from? Excuuuse me!" Well I had an explosive loud one burst out last night... Missy hit the floor, honest-to-God, she's laying flat, hugging the floor, ears back, looking around for the attacker. It was hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing.

While I was sorting dirty laundry, she was diving, jumping, and snagging everything I threw. I toss a sock over to the white pile and she would come flying through the air arms flailing to snag it. Pants, shirts, bath towels... she goes after it all. I even have to fight her off to get dressed. Do you know how hard it is to get your pants on when you have a cat hanging onto the other end of them? I now sit down to put them on so I don't lose my balance and fall. She is definitely entertainment. I told my mom she's like having a puppy.

This morning I saw something laying on the floor at the foot of my bed. I'm thinking, "What the heck is that?" When I pick it up... it's a chunk of ceiling! My heart jumps, I start running around to see where my ceiling was falling in. We just had some bad storms go through the area. Then I realize, the flat edge has popcorn stuff on it. I had my ceilings scraped before I bought it. It was a chunk from when they did the repairs. She must have found it somewhere... probably on top of the cupboards. A good-morning jump start for the heart! LOL

And Simon is finally letting me pick him up freely. I even turned him over on his back to inspect the bottom of his paws. Whoohoo! Breakthrough.

Happy Birthday... to me!

Yes, today is my 41st birthday.

I have been off work since the day before Christmas... took Missy Bug to get spayed and shots last Tuesday. She's been quiet, sleeping all the time, and wanting me to constantly hold her since.

Have recently made contact with an old friend. She just got hooked up online again. A big shout out to ya... "Hey Sharon!"

Gotta pay some bills and go get a shower... heading to mom's for a family birthday dinner tonight. Having boiled dinner. My sister is making her bread pudding. We'll also have cake and ice cream.