You know what I hate? Well, I'm about to tell you.
I HATE IT when I go to the gas station to get gas; and when I'm filling up my tank by using the gas pump handle-holder-clip-thingamabob, I get out the window squeegie to wipe my windows. Only the reservoir isn't filled with window washing fluid; instead it's filled with plain old water. And the water isn't even clean - it's all dirty and disgusting and kinda defeats the purpose of washing my windows in the first place. And, what's even better is when it's like 19 degrees outside, like it was in Missouri/Illinois last week, and the reservoir of dirty window-washing-but-not-really water is frozen into a solid brick. So I can't even slosh some nasty water on my window as a pathetic attempt to rinse off the snow/slush/salt/gravel from my windshield. I want to scream at the miserly gas station owners, ARE YOU THAT CHEAP??? YOU CAN'T EVEN SPEND THE MEAGER $2 ON A GALLON OF WINDOW WASHING FLUID FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS WHO ARE PRETTY MUCH A SURE THING, AS LONG AS THERE ARE CARS ON THE ROAD??? What is the world coming to?
So, yes, I am back. It is glorious to be back. No more pack-and-play bed for Baby Sally. And by pack-and-play bed, I mean, crib restraint for about 2 hours, until she wakes up and screams and I have to pull her into my bed to get her to be quiet for the other people in the house I'm staying at (of the 5 different places I slept in the last 10 days.) And, no more Wii. THANK GOD for no more Wii. I am now convinced that we are the only people left in America with children who don't own a Wii. Because of this, I didn't balk too much when my kids kinda OD'ed on Wii play at all their friends' houses. After all, the most sophisticated machine we have is a Game Boy Color. No, not Advance. No, not DS. I'm talking, one step above Game Boy Black-and-white, which we owned until about a year ago. We affectionately called it Game Boy Classic. We had to finally make the move up because Game Stop quit carrying the game cartridges. I don't know what we'll do if we have to buy a Game Cube. And no more living out of a suitcase. I am THRILLED to be back to putting my dirty clothes in a hamper, not a plastic bag. I am so ready to be able to choose what shoes I want to wear, instead of just putting on the only pair I brought.
And, of course, it's nice to be back to the Internet. How in the world did we all survive without it? Miserably, I guess.
So, I must ask you all to please be understanding about the past two weeks. I love you all. LOVE LUV LURVE. But I am going to go ahead and do the whole "Mark All As Read" in my reader. I just can NOT face my 250 unread blog posts, with the number increasing every day. I want to start fresh. If you have a post from the last two weeks that you think will rock my world, and that I just can not live another day without reading, please let me know and I'll check it out. Otherwise, just consider me back from a sabbatical.
I am hoping to post a few pictures from my trip. I want to do that so that you all have at least one post you can hit DELETE without feeling guilty, and I get to pretend that people are interested in seeing pictures of my family, my friends, cows, scenery in St. Louis and rural IL. One picture I never was able to get, but wanted to, was the many billboards we passed for Adult Movie sales and rentals. Apparently, this is quite a popular business venture in Southwestern Missouri. I had no idea. But, on the trip, I was all about, "Hey Kids, here's the Game Boy! Play all you want! Yeah, keep staring at that screen. Here's some candy too!" Now that the Peanuts can read, I don't want them asking, "What does 'All Live Nude' mean, Mom?"
See ya round the blogs!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Frozen, Not Dead
Howdy Y'all. I know you are hanging on to the edge of your chairs, wondering,
WHERE HAS TEXAN MAMA GONE????
Here I Am!!!
I'm up in the frozen tundra, also known as Illinois. They brought snow in, just for us. There's not too much, but just enough to remind us of how miserable winter is in the midwest.
Why did we venture up to this yucky weather, you ask? Well, enquiring minds want to know so I'll fill you in.
Texan Papa is visiting his family. I'm visiting family and friends too. The Peanuts are attending at their old school for a few days to visit old friends. And, I get to do all kinds of fun stuff like get an eye exam (I *HATE* the "puff of air" thingy - no matter how much they try to prepare me I'm always shocked when that shot of wind hits my eyeball).
So, I'll be offline for a few more days. I'll probably be back on Saturday or Sunday, if I survive another long car trip with 4 children. I actually survived the drive up (7 hours one day, 6 the next) and I'm looking forward to the drive back too, like looking forward to a root canal.
Hang tight peeps.
WHERE HAS TEXAN MAMA GONE????
Here I Am!!!
I'm up in the frozen tundra, also known as Illinois. They brought snow in, just for us. There's not too much, but just enough to remind us of how miserable winter is in the midwest.
Why did we venture up to this yucky weather, you ask? Well, enquiring minds want to know so I'll fill you in.
Texan Papa is visiting his family. I'm visiting family and friends too. The Peanuts are attending at their old school for a few days to visit old friends. And, I get to do all kinds of fun stuff like get an eye exam (I *HATE* the "puff of air" thingy - no matter how much they try to prepare me I'm always shocked when that shot of wind hits my eyeball).
So, I'll be offline for a few more days. I'll probably be back on Saturday or Sunday, if I survive another long car trip with 4 children. I actually survived the drive up (7 hours one day, 6 the next) and I'm looking forward to the drive back too, like looking forward to a root canal.
Hang tight peeps.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Black and White
Before I begin this post, I want to share my feelings about our next President, Barack Obama. He wasn't my choice for president, but as an American I will do my best to support him and I will respect the office he has earned. He is very charismatic, I will certainly say that. Although, I know charisma is sometimes a dangerous thing. I've heard it said, "A person with charisma and charm can even make evil sound good." NOT THAT PRES-ELECT B.O. IS EVIL, just making a point. Also, I concede that he is a good public speaker - sometimes using too many "uhh"s and "umm"s and occasionally uses "a" where he should say "an", but G.W. stumbles over his words too and says "nuke-you-lar" which drives me nuts (should be "nuke-lee-er"). So yes, he's very motivational. He's certainly got the American people's enthusiasm behind him. He is inexperienced, but also has not been burned out after too many years in office. So, like I said, not my first choice but I will remain cautiously optimistic about his plans for Americans until he leads me to believe otherwise. Let's just see what happens in the next 4 years, then I can hopefully be more objective.
Next, I want to warn you that this post is all about race. As you may remember, I've written before that I am a big believer in people of all races being treated equally. And by equally, I mean that we should be striving to give opportunities, praise, and criticism to people based on the content of their character, not the color of their skin. I do believe this to my core. I don't think ANYONE should be treated in a biased manner, positive OR negative, because of a physical quality over which they had no control. If a person strives throughout life, maintaining a strong work ethic and excellent integrity, and earns special treatment, then of course it is theirs for the taking and much deserved. I hope others agree that any type of award or special recognition that has been earned is much more meaningful than one that is given without thought to merit or achievement. In an ideal world, all opportunities would also be equally attainable. But, as President-Elect Barack Obama has proven, anything is possible.
Now, just a few questions:
1. Why is our next President called a Black President? He's just as black as he is white. His mother is 100% white and his father is 100% black. Shouldn't he be called bi-racial? OR, EVEN BETTER, SHOULDN'T WE NOT REFER TO HIS SKIN COLOR AT ALL???
That leads me to my second question:
2. Do you know anyone who said, "I'm going to vote for Obama because he's black"? My guess is no. Anyone who admitted that they were basing their vote on the color of his skin would risk being called unintelligent and even racist. Why base the vote for the President on his physical qualities, like race or gender or height? SO, why is it okay for Black Americans to now say, "I'm so happy we're going to have a Black President"? Is it okay for me to say, "I'm sad we're not going to have a White President"? After all, I'm white. No of course I would not say that because a) I would be called a racist, and b) I don't care what race my president is, as long as he or she does the job to the best of his/her ability and is an honest person. It just doesn't seem like the rules for what is and is not politically correct speech is the same for African-Americans and Euro-Americans.
Which brings me to my next question:
3. Why is it that Black Americans are referred to as African-American (when sometimes they aren't)? What if they're from the Dominican Republic? Or Haiti? Or Jamaica? Those people are not African. And WHY OH WHY is it proper to call them African-Americans but Caucasians are still called WHITE? Seriously, if we are honoring the heritage of the African-Dominican-Republican-Haitian-Jamaican-Americans, why don't we also honor the heritage of the Euro-Americans and stop calling them "white"? I mean, we don't call Latin-Americans "tan" do we? We certainly don't call Asian Americans "yellow". So why are Euro-Americans called "white"? Or, if we are going to be called "white", why aren't we getting mad about it?
Which brings me to my final question:
4. Why is it considered acceptable to have a magazine entirely devoted to people of color, like Essence? And what about awards for literary work by Asian-Americans in the Asian American Literary Awards? These events are celebrated as an opportunity to promote people of a certain culture. So, can a magazine be published that is devoted entirely to white people (or, Euro-Americans)? Could we have the "White Entertainment Channel"? Or the "Euro-American Literary Awards"? I do understand that for many years, the races were segregated and the same opportunities were not afforded to non-whites. So, understandably, people of minority races chose to create organizations that supported citizens of their own race. At many times throughout American history, there was a need for these special groups and people of color filled that need. But is that really the situation anymore? Is there any area of society in America that a person of any color can not participate in? Can a person of color expect equal treatment and consideration when eating in a restaurant, purchasing a house, competing on American Idol, interviewing for a job, or even running for public office? Yes, most certainly! President-Elect B.O. is proof of that!
So, are we really striving toward an America that is equal for all races? Or are we, at our deepest level, still trying to segregate ourselves?
Okay, I think I'm ready. I've got my anti-snark protection suit on. Let me hear it.
Next, I want to warn you that this post is all about race. As you may remember, I've written before that I am a big believer in people of all races being treated equally. And by equally, I mean that we should be striving to give opportunities, praise, and criticism to people based on the content of their character, not the color of their skin. I do believe this to my core. I don't think ANYONE should be treated in a biased manner, positive OR negative, because of a physical quality over which they had no control. If a person strives throughout life, maintaining a strong work ethic and excellent integrity, and earns special treatment, then of course it is theirs for the taking and much deserved. I hope others agree that any type of award or special recognition that has been earned is much more meaningful than one that is given without thought to merit or achievement. In an ideal world, all opportunities would also be equally attainable. But, as President-Elect Barack Obama has proven, anything is possible.
Now, just a few questions:
1. Why is our next President called a Black President? He's just as black as he is white. His mother is 100% white and his father is 100% black. Shouldn't he be called bi-racial? OR, EVEN BETTER, SHOULDN'T WE NOT REFER TO HIS SKIN COLOR AT ALL???
That leads me to my second question:
2. Do you know anyone who said, "I'm going to vote for Obama because he's black"? My guess is no. Anyone who admitted that they were basing their vote on the color of his skin would risk being called unintelligent and even racist. Why base the vote for the President on his physical qualities, like race or gender or height? SO, why is it okay for Black Americans to now say, "I'm so happy we're going to have a Black President"? Is it okay for me to say, "I'm sad we're not going to have a White President"? After all, I'm white. No of course I would not say that because a) I would be called a racist, and b) I don't care what race my president is, as long as he or she does the job to the best of his/her ability and is an honest person. It just doesn't seem like the rules for what is and is not politically correct speech is the same for African-Americans and Euro-Americans.
Which brings me to my next question:
3. Why is it that Black Americans are referred to as African-American (when sometimes they aren't)? What if they're from the Dominican Republic? Or Haiti? Or Jamaica? Those people are not African. And WHY OH WHY is it proper to call them African-Americans but Caucasians are still called WHITE? Seriously, if we are honoring the heritage of the African-Dominican-Republican-Haitian-Jamaican-Americans, why don't we also honor the heritage of the Euro-Americans and stop calling them "white"? I mean, we don't call Latin-Americans "tan" do we? We certainly don't call Asian Americans "yellow". So why are Euro-Americans called "white"? Or, if we are going to be called "white", why aren't we getting mad about it?
Which brings me to my final question:
4. Why is it considered acceptable to have a magazine entirely devoted to people of color, like Essence? And what about awards for literary work by Asian-Americans in the Asian American Literary Awards? These events are celebrated as an opportunity to promote people of a certain culture. So, can a magazine be published that is devoted entirely to white people (or, Euro-Americans)? Could we have the "White Entertainment Channel"? Or the "Euro-American Literary Awards"? I do understand that for many years, the races were segregated and the same opportunities were not afforded to non-whites. So, understandably, people of minority races chose to create organizations that supported citizens of their own race. At many times throughout American history, there was a need for these special groups and people of color filled that need. But is that really the situation anymore? Is there any area of society in America that a person of any color can not participate in? Can a person of color expect equal treatment and consideration when eating in a restaurant, purchasing a house, competing on American Idol, interviewing for a job, or even running for public office? Yes, most certainly! President-Elect B.O. is proof of that!
So, are we really striving toward an America that is equal for all races? Or are we, at our deepest level, still trying to segregate ourselves?
Okay, I think I'm ready. I've got my anti-snark protection suit on. Let me hear it.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Just Kid Pictures
Peppermint Patty, Charlie Brown, Linus, & SallyI took all these pictures on a regular point-n-shoot (Kodak M753 7.2mp) and Picnik makes the magic happen.
Friday, January 16, 2009
I SO Should Have Married Billy Mayes
If you have read my blog for any length of time, you already know how much I love products that are sold through infomercials. My very first infomercial purchase was back in my college days: the Ab-Roller.
3 easy payments of $33.33. Since then, I have bought products that suited what I needed at different times of life. Moving and conserving space?
I bought Space Bags.
I bought Space Bags.Needing to hang up pictures in my new home? I have (a version of) the Hercules Hooks. I got into scrapbooking, so I bought the Craft Lite Cutter. 
Now I have kids, and want to serve them a fun breakfast, so I bought the Pancake Puff Pan. Kids need to help me with the chores, so I now have the Swivel Sweeper (a gift from Santa this Christmas - WHEE!). 
And for cleaning around the house, I have OxiClean. I have Silver Lightning. I have Dryer Balls. 
My only question is this: Does Billy Mays get this stuff for free? Like, do they comp him 100 metric tons of OxiClean ?(That shit ain't cheap!) Does he get to test out the products before they get the "Billy Mays" stamp of approval?
Now I have kids, and want to serve them a fun breakfast, so I bought the Pancake Puff Pan. Kids need to help me with the chores, so I now have the Swivel Sweeper (a gift from Santa this Christmas - WHEE!). And for cleaning around the house, I have OxiClean. I have Silver Lightning. I have Dryer Balls. My only question is this: Does Billy Mays get this stuff for free? Like, do they comp him 100 metric tons of OxiClean ?(That shit ain't cheap!) Does he get to test out the products before they get the "Billy Mays" stamp of approval? Oh, Billy, you may be my knight in shining armor. IF you can bring me a Flavor-Wave oven. This busy mom doesn't have time to defrost the roast, after all.
P.S. - Click on the Billy Mays link. It's so funny.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
What Would You Do?
So tonight, Charlie Brown is riding his bike around outside all crazy. I tell him to be careful. He comes back with, "One time I tried to ride with my eyes closed and I almost crashed!" I told him, "Don't do that! You could really get hurt." SO he proceeds to tell me, in a very quiet voice, "Uh mom, I did crash. Into a black car. A Girl Scout car."
It took me a few seconds to process what he was telling me. I asked him what he meant. He said, "Remember the day you made s'mores with the Girl Scouts?" (That was about a month ago) I said, "Yes. Did you hit your bike into a car that night?" And he said, "Yes, but it was only a tiny TINY dent."Apparently this car belonged to one of the parents of the girls who were here that night.
Now, I firmly believe in honesty. So, my feeling is to email all of the moms and ask them if they noticed a dent in their car sometime after our Girl Scout meeting last month. But I feel awkward. Maybe they've already noticed and THEY feel awkward. Maybe they haven't noticed. Maybe it will create a really weird feeling between me and that parent???
Plus, how do I punish my kid? He was being honest and offering information without even being asked. And, how do I punish him without also punishing myself (if he's off his bike for a month, I can just hear now the whining, the begging, the pleading to ride his bike.)
So how would you handle it?
It took me a few seconds to process what he was telling me. I asked him what he meant. He said, "Remember the day you made s'mores with the Girl Scouts?" (That was about a month ago) I said, "Yes. Did you hit your bike into a car that night?" And he said, "Yes, but it was only a tiny TINY dent."Apparently this car belonged to one of the parents of the girls who were here that night.
Now, I firmly believe in honesty. So, my feeling is to email all of the moms and ask them if they noticed a dent in their car sometime after our Girl Scout meeting last month. But I feel awkward. Maybe they've already noticed and THEY feel awkward. Maybe they haven't noticed. Maybe it will create a really weird feeling between me and that parent???
Plus, how do I punish my kid? He was being honest and offering information without even being asked. And, how do I punish him without also punishing myself (if he's off his bike for a month, I can just hear now the whining, the begging, the pleading to ride his bike.)
So how would you handle it?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
So Happy Together
Me and you, and you and me
No matter how they toss the dice, it has to be
The only one for me is you, and you for me
So happy together
Monday, January 12, 2009
Ladies and Gentlemen.... START. YOUR. DVR'S!
Okay, I was asked to remind everyone that TONIGHT is the second installment of my favoritest new TV show: True Beauty. It is on at 10pm Eastern/Pacific or 9pm Central/Mountain. If you missed last week's show, you can go to abc.go.com and click on "watch free episodes". Scroll down through the choices and you will find True Beauty. When I first went to the site, I had to install a little plug-in, so just be aware of that.
Monday nights weill prove to be challenge for me starting next week, when House starts showing on Monday nights as well. At least it shows 7-8pm, then I have enough time to shove the kids into their beds and say a quick prayer, before True Beauty starts at 9pm. Well, we've all got to have our priorities, right?
Monday nights weill prove to be challenge for me starting next week, when House starts showing on Monday nights as well. At least it shows 7-8pm, then I have enough time to shove the kids into their beds and say a quick prayer, before True Beauty starts at 9pm. Well, we've all got to have our priorities, right?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Girl Scouts are the Spawn of the Devil
Every year at about this time, millions of Americans make New Year's Resolutions. Probably the most commom resolution: to lose weight and get in shape. Fitness centers are flooded with new memberships and department stores sell out of exercise balls, yoga mats, and Denise Austin DVD's.
And, right about the same time, another special event is happening. Millions of Americans participate in this ritual as well:
The consumption of Girl Scout Cookies.
Why do the Girl Scouts insist on scheduling their annual sale to coincide with the one time of the year Americans are cutting out desserts en masse? I would argue that it might be prudent to plan the cookie sales a little later... like early March. We've already given up on our resolution to lose weight, all the Christmas goodies have long since been thrown away or gone stale, and we're past the Valentine's candy but not yet upon the Easter candy.
Gosh, writing this makes me realize, isn't it sick how we have turned almost all of our holidays to revolve around candy? Think about it: Valentines, Easter, Halloween, Christmas. Even at the parades for Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Veterans Day, tons of candy is thrown out from Fire Engines and decorated floats. But, I digress.
Girl Scout cookies are our Achilles Heel when it comes to dieting. They provide those irresistable cookies that are exclusively available once a year. And, if we don't buy from the little girl knocking at your door RIGHT NOW, who knows when we'll be able to get our fix later? Yes, there might be a few Brownies outside the Wal-Mart on Saturday, but it's just a gamble we're not willing to take. The pressure is just too intense. And, the thought of going a WHOLE year without Girl Scout Cookies... missing the chance to crumble up some Thin Mints on top of some ice cream... not dipping the Caramel DeLites (aka Samoas) into a cold glass of milk ... it's just too sad to think about. Better order an extra box. Or two. Or nine.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Drywall Hooks Winners and something Yummy
Hiya Folks. I have gotten some assistance from my children to pick the winners of the Drywall Hooks. Each winner will get one package of 10 Drywall Hooks.
Congratulations to Mrs. S, Carrie Thompson, and Stacy's Random Thoughts! Email me your address and I'll get those Drywall Hooks into the mail for you. And, for everyone who didn't win, you can still order them at http://www.drywallhooks.com/!
And now, for something yummier... here's how I spent my afternoon yesterday:
No, I didn't spend my time eating, I spent my afternoon baking! I love these cookies. And they are HUGE. It may not look like it in the picture, but these cookies are about 4 inches across the middle. YUM.
(As a matter of fact, I had one for breakfast today. Don't tell the dentist.)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Time to Put Out
Now, first off, I will post the winners for the Drywall Hooks later today. Thursday was a very busy day in the Texan Household, and I didn't have time to draw the winners' names. But don't worry - I'll come through for you.
Okay, Luvvies. I asked you to think about your very most favoritest blog in your whole blogroll. I said, "If you had to delete every blog in your reader except one, which one would it be?"
I never anticipated the whining, the pleading, the begging. Yes, I can get that way when I'm desperate to get comments. (get it? *I* was the one whining? No, it's not that funny, I can tell.)
No, seriously. Everyone who commented said that feat was too monumentally hard. SO, I thought I'd just ask this:
What's the blog you most love to read that is small-ish? Maybe it's just getting off the ground. Maybe it's a blog with a great topic but not too much attention yet. Maybe you've just recently discovered it yourself. Go ahead and put in the link for your favorite small-ish blog. And by small-ish, I would say, probably the number of daily comments never goes over 20. I'd say that's small-ish. Unless you disagree.
So, please, I'm loving some of the big blogger articles. They crack me up. But, for now, let's have this Friday Love Fest be a cozy, comfortable, semi-private event. Use Mr. Linky below with YOUR name and THE BLOGGER ADDRESS THAT YOU LIKE. You can just put the web address or you can link to a specific post. I'll go first.
Okay, Luvvies. I asked you to think about your very most favoritest blog in your whole blogroll. I said, "If you had to delete every blog in your reader except one, which one would it be?"
I never anticipated the whining, the pleading, the begging. Yes, I can get that way when I'm desperate to get comments. (get it? *I* was the one whining? No, it's not that funny, I can tell.)
No, seriously. Everyone who commented said that feat was too monumentally hard. SO, I thought I'd just ask this:
What's the blog you most love to read that is small-ish? Maybe it's just getting off the ground. Maybe it's a blog with a great topic but not too much attention yet. Maybe you've just recently discovered it yourself. Go ahead and put in the link for your favorite small-ish blog. And by small-ish, I would say, probably the number of daily comments never goes over 20. I'd say that's small-ish. Unless you disagree.
So, please, I'm loving some of the big blogger articles. They crack me up. But, for now, let's have this Friday Love Fest be a cozy, comfortable, semi-private event. Use Mr. Linky below with YOUR name and THE BLOGGER ADDRESS THAT YOU LIKE. You can just put the web address or you can link to a specific post. I'll go first.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Maybe She's Just Like Me
I was at Target today and, as I was putting Baby Sally into her carseat, I saw a woman over my shoulder. She was wearing a jilbab and khimar. I never knew these words until 15 seconds ago, as I'm typing this post, and wanted to know what the words were for the long coat/dress type of garment (jilbab) and head scarf (khimar) worn by Muslim women. (BTW, I just googled it! That's the answer to everything... GOOGLE IT!) As I saw her walking toward me, my first reaction was a bit of surprise... simply seeing someone who looked unfamiliar to me. Then, I decided to smile, and she smiled back. I have the strangest feeling about seeing Muslim people in public, and for that matter I feel the same way about people with disabilities. I want to smile, because they are human beings and every person deserves warmth and love. But, I wonder if they feel like I'm staring at them. I wonder if their emotions have been tainted by the inescapable remarks of ignorant, insensitive people. I wonder if they just want to be left alone.
Then I just thought to myself, I don't know any of that. Maybe, she's just like me. Maybe she just wants to be treated like a regular person. Not judged by her skin color, or her clothes, but just by her smile.
When we first moved to Texas, my neighbor down the street was helping me figure out where all the stores were in our neighborhood. A new Wal-Mart had recently opened just up the highway from us. She told me to go to that one, not the other Walmart about 3 miles away. She said, "Don't go there. Ya know, a lot of blacks and hispanics go there. It's just not a good store to go to." Her comments made my skin crawl a little bit. If she'd said That store isn't safe or That store isn't clean or even That store isn't as close as the new one, I can see her making the comment. But, why should I avoid a store just because black or hispanic people shop there? Maybe she considers black and hispanic people unsafe?
I guess most people would call me privileged. I am white, I have blond hair, I grew up in an upper-middle class family. I have traveled to Europe and my parents paid for me to go to college. I don't stand out in a crowd and I don't think anyone would single me out for any reason. Except maybe that I'm a woman, but even that glass ceiling has been shattered many years ago. Possibly I can not imagine what it's like to be different. Maybe I would have to walk a mile in the shoes of someone of a different race, or physical ability, or nationality, or sexual orientation, or even religion, to really get a grasp of how it feels to have judgment passed on me without my knowledge or consent.
I think, judging a person because of their outward appearance is wrong. It should not be acceptable in our society, no matter what the situation is. In the same way that I wouldn't want to be unjustly singled out because of a physical quality I cannot control, I also don't think it would be fair to celebrate that difference either. I wouldn't want someone to give an advantage to me just because I'm white. For example, when I pick a doctor for my children, I just want the person who will do the best job, whether he or she is black or white. Sometimes age will affect experience, so I admit I do consider that. But, my kids need the best care I can find for them, no matter if the doctor's name is Davis or Sun or Rivera (actual names of our doctors in the past).
Which kinda leads me to thinking about the inauguration and Barack Obama. I know that everyone is very very excited for this historic day: the first African-American President will be sworn into office. But, I wonder how President-Elect Obama feels about being celebrated for his skin color. I just feel that calling so much attention to his skin color, which he had no control over, really minimizes all his accomplishments as a politician. While I am not in agreement with his political beliefs, I do recognize that he's worked very hard in his short political career. And, I start to wonder, is he like me? Does he wish, just for one minute, that people would stop paying so much attention to his physical qualities and instead start recognizing the results of what he's worked so hard for?
I think it's not that hard to see people as people. But, I also think we're kidding ourselves when we say that we are free of prejudice. We can WANT to be without prejudice, but it still exists in us. Maybe our prejudice is about drivers over the age of 75. Or about garbage collectors. Or about people who are overweight. I don't think the solution is to try to completely get rid of our prejudices. Maybe we can simply admit that we have them, and admit that they aren't right, and just keep working to get past them.
Then I just thought to myself, I don't know any of that. Maybe, she's just like me. Maybe she just wants to be treated like a regular person. Not judged by her skin color, or her clothes, but just by her smile.
When we first moved to Texas, my neighbor down the street was helping me figure out where all the stores were in our neighborhood. A new Wal-Mart had recently opened just up the highway from us. She told me to go to that one, not the other Walmart about 3 miles away. She said, "Don't go there. Ya know, a lot of blacks and hispanics go there. It's just not a good store to go to." Her comments made my skin crawl a little bit. If she'd said That store isn't safe or That store isn't clean or even That store isn't as close as the new one, I can see her making the comment. But, why should I avoid a store just because black or hispanic people shop there? Maybe she considers black and hispanic people unsafe?
I guess most people would call me privileged. I am white, I have blond hair, I grew up in an upper-middle class family. I have traveled to Europe and my parents paid for me to go to college. I don't stand out in a crowd and I don't think anyone would single me out for any reason. Except maybe that I'm a woman, but even that glass ceiling has been shattered many years ago. Possibly I can not imagine what it's like to be different. Maybe I would have to walk a mile in the shoes of someone of a different race, or physical ability, or nationality, or sexual orientation, or even religion, to really get a grasp of how it feels to have judgment passed on me without my knowledge or consent.
I think, judging a person because of their outward appearance is wrong. It should not be acceptable in our society, no matter what the situation is. In the same way that I wouldn't want to be unjustly singled out because of a physical quality I cannot control, I also don't think it would be fair to celebrate that difference either. I wouldn't want someone to give an advantage to me just because I'm white. For example, when I pick a doctor for my children, I just want the person who will do the best job, whether he or she is black or white. Sometimes age will affect experience, so I admit I do consider that. But, my kids need the best care I can find for them, no matter if the doctor's name is Davis or Sun or Rivera (actual names of our doctors in the past).
Which kinda leads me to thinking about the inauguration and Barack Obama. I know that everyone is very very excited for this historic day: the first African-American President will be sworn into office. But, I wonder how President-Elect Obama feels about being celebrated for his skin color. I just feel that calling so much attention to his skin color, which he had no control over, really minimizes all his accomplishments as a politician. While I am not in agreement with his political beliefs, I do recognize that he's worked very hard in his short political career. And, I start to wonder, is he like me? Does he wish, just for one minute, that people would stop paying so much attention to his physical qualities and instead start recognizing the results of what he's worked so hard for?
I think it's not that hard to see people as people. But, I also think we're kidding ourselves when we say that we are free of prejudice. We can WANT to be without prejudice, but it still exists in us. Maybe our prejudice is about drivers over the age of 75. Or about garbage collectors. Or about people who are overweight. I don't think the solution is to try to completely get rid of our prejudices. Maybe we can simply admit that we have them, and admit that they aren't right, and just keep working to get past them.
Show Me The Love
Howdy! I'm gonna ask y'all to do some serious soul-searching.
If you had to delete EVERY blog in your reader except one, which one would you save?
Yes, yes, I know you are all saying "Who Put Me In Charge Of These People???"!!!!
But, not counting mine, which one would you keep around to read? On Friday, January 9, I'm gonna have a big ole Bloggy Love Fest. Get yer thinkin caps on. I want you to tell us what your favorite blog is and why. I'll put up the Mr. Linky dealie thing, and you can tell everyone your favorite blog. It can be just a blog address in general, or you can pick your favorite post of all time from that person and post the direct link to it.
I just feel like spreading the L-U-V this Friday. So come on back here and don't forget your protection. Just Kidding.
And, today's the last day to enter to win the awesomest Drywall Hooks EVER!!! Go here and enter a comment by 11:59p.m. tonight.
If you had to delete EVERY blog in your reader except one, which one would you save?
Yes, yes, I know you are all saying "Who Put Me In Charge Of These People???"!!!!
But, not counting mine, which one would you keep around to read? On Friday, January 9, I'm gonna have a big ole Bloggy Love Fest. Get yer thinkin caps on. I want you to tell us what your favorite blog is and why. I'll put up the Mr. Linky dealie thing, and you can tell everyone your favorite blog. It can be just a blog address in general, or you can pick your favorite post of all time from that person and post the direct link to it.
I just feel like spreading the L-U-V this Friday. So come on back here and don't forget your protection. Just Kidding.
And, today's the last day to enter to win the awesomest Drywall Hooks EVER!!! Go here and enter a comment by 11:59p.m. tonight.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Where do you get your online music?
Hey bloggie peeps, help me! I need to find a new online service for music for my MP3 player.
And, please don't tell me to get an iPod. I don't have anything against them, I just don't need one.
Right now I have a music download service that I paid for like 2 or 3 years ago for a lifetime membership for $35. It's not so great. It's basically shareware, so sometimes you get stuff that's been downloaded from the radio, or it skips, or it's been doctored somehow. (Once I downloaded a song that had most of it from the artist - Maroon 5 - and some of it had been dubbed over with some joker playing a guitar and singing the lyrics. It was more funny than annoying.) Anyway, I would prefer some service where I don't have to pay per song because I download a LOT of music. Also I'd like something that actually has some type of tech support, even if it's only by e-mail.
My current provider is called FILE VOOM PRO. Not the best, to say the least. I used to have ARES ULTRA. Long story short, I want to switch because every time I try to log on, it has trouble connecting and sometimes I have to wait like a half hour. Once it's connected I never have a problem, except I get some sketchy download titles too. Don't ask - it's p0Rn related.
So, I know iTunes is out there but does anyone else have any other recommendations?
And, please don't tell me to get an iPod. I don't have anything against them, I just don't need one.
Right now I have a music download service that I paid for like 2 or 3 years ago for a lifetime membership for $35. It's not so great. It's basically shareware, so sometimes you get stuff that's been downloaded from the radio, or it skips, or it's been doctored somehow. (Once I downloaded a song that had most of it from the artist - Maroon 5 - and some of it had been dubbed over with some joker playing a guitar and singing the lyrics. It was more funny than annoying.) Anyway, I would prefer some service where I don't have to pay per song because I download a LOT of music. Also I'd like something that actually has some type of tech support, even if it's only by e-mail.
My current provider is called FILE VOOM PRO. Not the best, to say the least. I used to have ARES ULTRA. Long story short, I want to switch because every time I try to log on, it has trouble connecting and sometimes I have to wait like a half hour. Once it's connected I never have a problem, except I get some sketchy download titles too. Don't ask - it's p0Rn related.
So, I know iTunes is out there but does anyone else have any other recommendations?
My New Most Favoritest TV Show
A show premiered last night on ABC. I had seen the promos for it. I was curious, but the show surpassed my expectations. Did ya see it?
TRUE BEAUTY (co-produced by Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher)
I am so loving this show. I turned it on, by chance, and fate smiled upon me. I hadn't missed it after all! Watching this show was like watching a train wreck. I knew what was going to happen - well, sometimes - but I just couldn't look away. The nastiness, the vanity, the conceit, it's all there. And I LOVE it that these people are put in real life situations (like, would you hold the door open for a service person?) and judged on whether or not they rise to the challenge of having true inner beauty.
Only after the sad sack has been chosen for elimination does the truth come out about the competition. On this, the first episode, the hosts/judges (Nole Marin - style guy from ANTM, Cheryl Tiegs - the original SI swimsuit supermodel, and Vanessa Minnillo - fromer host of TRL) told the eliminee that her inner beauty was being judged as well as her outer beauty. She said, "I am beautiful inside and out." OOPS - Did we mention that we have hidden camera footage of all the moments you aren't going to be so proud of? NO? Well, here, let's show them to you now.
Of course, after the video footage, she tries to give some lame half-assed explanation of what she was doing and how it doesn't really reflect who she is inside. Personally, I don't think they have cameras that can see THAT deep, hon. And, I don't think I've ever seen a reality TV show where, after being eliminated, the contestant says "I am ready to go. I want to go. I just wanna get the hell out of here." Usually they're all "Oh, I'm sad to go. I wish I could stay. I learned so much." Yeah, not so much on this show. I have never seen a contestant run away so quickly. Clearly, she was all too ready to get away from the people telling her, "You think you're beautiful? Okay, maybe on the outside. But on the inside you look like a turd." I mean, who wouldn't want to run away from that? The good news is, if her self-confidence takes a hit, she just MIGHT be able to stuff her oversized ego into the taxi as it screams away from the studio.
And you know what's going to look REALLY beautiful? Your neat and organized home, if you win the Drywall Hooks that I'm giving away! Just click here to enter and leave a comment by 11:59 on Wednesday night!
TRUE BEAUTY (co-produced by Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher)
I am so loving this show. I turned it on, by chance, and fate smiled upon me. I hadn't missed it after all! Watching this show was like watching a train wreck. I knew what was going to happen - well, sometimes - but I just couldn't look away. The nastiness, the vanity, the conceit, it's all there. And I LOVE it that these people are put in real life situations (like, would you hold the door open for a service person?) and judged on whether or not they rise to the challenge of having true inner beauty.
Only after the sad sack has been chosen for elimination does the truth come out about the competition. On this, the first episode, the hosts/judges (Nole Marin - style guy from ANTM, Cheryl Tiegs - the original SI swimsuit supermodel, and Vanessa Minnillo - fromer host of TRL) told the eliminee that her inner beauty was being judged as well as her outer beauty. She said, "I am beautiful inside and out." OOPS - Did we mention that we have hidden camera footage of all the moments you aren't going to be so proud of? NO? Well, here, let's show them to you now.
Of course, after the video footage, she tries to give some lame half-assed explanation of what she was doing and how it doesn't really reflect who she is inside. Personally, I don't think they have cameras that can see THAT deep, hon. And, I don't think I've ever seen a reality TV show where, after being eliminated, the contestant says "I am ready to go. I want to go. I just wanna get the hell out of here." Usually they're all "Oh, I'm sad to go. I wish I could stay. I learned so much." Yeah, not so much on this show. I have never seen a contestant run away so quickly. Clearly, she was all too ready to get away from the people telling her, "You think you're beautiful? Okay, maybe on the outside. But on the inside you look like a turd." I mean, who wouldn't want to run away from that? The good news is, if her self-confidence takes a hit, she just MIGHT be able to stuff her oversized ego into the taxi as it screams away from the studio.
And you know what's going to look REALLY beautiful? Your neat and organized home, if you win the Drywall Hooks that I'm giving away! Just click here to enter and leave a comment by 11:59 on Wednesday night!
Monday, January 5, 2009
My Favorite Time of the Day
Hey Y'all. If you haven't entered my giveaway for Drywall Hooks, just go here and leave a comment by 11:59p.m. on Wednesday 1/7/09. Good Luck!
First off, let me tell you my LEAST favorite time of the day. It is 3:30pm to 4:00pm. That is the time I pick up my 3 older kids from school. It is the afternoon, so Baby Sally is always beginning the "witching hour" routine with inconsolable whining. She doesn't like riding in her carseat anyway. Then, Peppermint Patty, Charlie Brown, and Linus bound into the minivan and, unchained from the prison that is education, they talk, and argue, and get very Very VERY LOUD. They are just bursting to release some of that pent-up energy and they have no place to do it except the backseat of the "Silver Bullet" (aka our minivan). Papers go flying, permission slips are passed back and forth, the remains of half-eaten lunches are nibbled upon, and recorder practice commences. It's quite often like a zoo.
On the other hand, my FAVORITE time of day is when I go somewhere with the kids, anywhere, and I get them all into the van. "Buckle up!" I say as I slide the side door shut tight. Then, I let out a deep breath. I know where all my kids are. I know they are safe. I can see them from behind the glass. And I take the walk of pleasure... you know it... the 10 seconds or so that it takes to get from the closed door of the minivan to the driver's side door. Those 10 or so seconds are the best and most cherished moments of my day.
Quiet. Peace. Solitude.
I know, my favorite part of the day should be "seeing my children's happy faces" or "kissing them goodnight." Maybe in 4 or 5 years, it will be. But right now, for this busy mom, I wouldn't trade those few solitary seconds for anything.
First off, let me tell you my LEAST favorite time of the day. It is 3:30pm to 4:00pm. That is the time I pick up my 3 older kids from school. It is the afternoon, so Baby Sally is always beginning the "witching hour" routine with inconsolable whining. She doesn't like riding in her carseat anyway. Then, Peppermint Patty, Charlie Brown, and Linus bound into the minivan and, unchained from the prison that is education, they talk, and argue, and get very Very VERY LOUD. They are just bursting to release some of that pent-up energy and they have no place to do it except the backseat of the "Silver Bullet" (aka our minivan). Papers go flying, permission slips are passed back and forth, the remains of half-eaten lunches are nibbled upon, and recorder practice commences. It's quite often like a zoo.
On the other hand, my FAVORITE time of day is when I go somewhere with the kids, anywhere, and I get them all into the van. "Buckle up!" I say as I slide the side door shut tight. Then, I let out a deep breath. I know where all my kids are. I know they are safe. I can see them from behind the glass. And I take the walk of pleasure... you know it... the 10 seconds or so that it takes to get from the closed door of the minivan to the driver's side door. Those 10 or so seconds are the best and most cherished moments of my day.
Quiet. Peace. Solitude.
I know, my favorite part of the day should be "seeing my children's happy faces" or "kissing them goodnight." Maybe in 4 or 5 years, it will be. But right now, for this busy mom, I wouldn't trade those few solitary seconds for anything.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
I Am Gonna HOOK YOU UP!
Okay, readers. I know you all loved my review of the Super Hooks. And almost everyone said they were going to run out and buy some. I don't know if anybody was successful in finding the Super Hooks, but in case you weren't, you can worry no more.
I'VE GOT SOME HOOKS FOR YOU AND I'M GIVING THEM AWAY!!!
I tried to contact the makers of Super Hooks and guess what? I couldn't find them. And I thought everyone could be found on the internet. But, I found a company at http://www.drywallhooks.com/ I contacted them and told them about how much all my readers loved the Drywall Hooks, and would they be willing to send me some hooks for a giveaway? Here's the response I received:
Your blog looks great! We like your idea about promoting our product. The only problem I see is that our prices are higher than what you found the Super Hooks for at Big Lots. If you still want to promote us we would be happy to send you 30 hooks. You can give them all away or keep some for yourself. FYI, we are actually the original inventors of this product and our Heavy Duty Wall Hangers are made in the USA. Most of the copy cat products are made in China.
I was very impressed that Drywall Hooks are made in the USA and also excited that these little babies hold up to 150lbs (the Super Hooks only hold up to 80 lbs). They are a little more expensive, but not much. And, I would certainly say that the price is worth the amount of sanity you will save yourself. They are $6.95 for 10, $12.95 for 20, and they have more sizes and prices available also. If you want to purchase some of these hooks, here's the website to check out: http://www.drywallhooks.com/ and just click on "Purchase Online".
But, dear readers, you are in luck. I am giving away a package of 10 Drywall Hooks to 3 lucky commenters! All you have to do is leave a comment here by 11:59p.m. on Wednesday 1/7/09. I will figure out a way to randomly pick 3 winners.
Oh, one more thing: I wanted to tell you that today I hung up one more thing with Drywall hooks, and I wasn't sure if this would work or not, but I was pleasantly surprised:
Yes, that is a 20-foot aluminum extension ladder. Hung with 4 little Drywall Hooks. Go ahead, pick your jaw up from the floor. These babies work AWESOME!
All I can say is, WHO'S YOUR MAMA?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Goals, Schmoals
I used to do New Year's Resolutions every year. And, know what? They never kept. By March I'd be cussing again, or biting my nails again, or eating chocolate again, or gossipping again, or... wait, I swear, I have some good qualities too.
One year, I actually WROTE DOWN my goals. That really did help. I didn't start to slip until about August.
So, this year, I am going to try something different. I am going to have ONE GOAL EACH MONTH. I have decided that it can be the same goal repeated once, but no more than that. And, I will just try to focus on one goal at a time so I don't overwhelm myself. In other words, I won't feel like a colossal failure if I screw up because I can try again in less than 30 days.
So, let's go. Here's what I've got:
January: Put $100 into the bank for savings
February: make it up to 30 minutes on the elliptical machine
March: Lose 5 lbs.
April: Reduce Diet Coke consumption to one can per day
May: Tell/show/write my husband every day that I love him in a different way
June: Contact a friend every day by phone or in person (thanks for the idea Lisa!)
July: Put $100 into the bank for savings
August: read the bible to my children every night
September: Floss or use flouride every day (one or the other)
October: Only go to the grocery store and Wal-Mart once a week.
November: Lose 5 lbs.
December: Actually do the advent calendar or another advent project with my kids every night.
So, we'll see if I can actually keep myself to this list of goals. I've at least written it down, so I've already overcome my initial hurdle. Now, the only obstacle left in my way, is ME!
One year, I actually WROTE DOWN my goals. That really did help. I didn't start to slip until about August.
So, this year, I am going to try something different. I am going to have ONE GOAL EACH MONTH. I have decided that it can be the same goal repeated once, but no more than that. And, I will just try to focus on one goal at a time so I don't overwhelm myself. In other words, I won't feel like a colossal failure if I screw up because I can try again in less than 30 days.
So, let's go. Here's what I've got:
January: Put $100 into the bank for savings
February: make it up to 30 minutes on the elliptical machine
March: Lose 5 lbs.
April: Reduce Diet Coke consumption to one can per day
May: Tell/show/write my husband every day that I love him in a different way
June: Contact a friend every day by phone or in person (thanks for the idea Lisa!)
July: Put $100 into the bank for savings
August: read the bible to my children every night
September: Floss or use flouride every day (one or the other)
October: Only go to the grocery store and Wal-Mart once a week.
November: Lose 5 lbs.
December: Actually do the advent calendar or another advent project with my kids every night.
So, we'll see if I can actually keep myself to this list of goals. I've at least written it down, so I've already overcome my initial hurdle. Now, the only obstacle left in my way, is ME!
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