Randomness

A Meme

Stolen L, who stole it from from Irisi, who stole it from blue_sky_48220.
Sarah Palin married her high school boyfriend, Todd Palin, on August 29, 1988. The Palin family lives in Wasilla, about 45 miles (72 km) north of Anchorage. The Palins have two sons (Track, 19, and Trig, four months) and three daughters (Bristol, 17; Willow, 14; and Piper, 7) [ages as of August 2008].

Todd Palin has said Track's name came from the interest Sarah's parents had in the sport and the fact that he was born in the sport's season; Bristol was named after Bristol Bay in Alaska, where Todd grew up and where he does commercial fishing; Willow was named after Willow, Alaska; Piper got her name because it is uncommon and "a cool name"; Trig's name is Norse for "strength".

1) Your first-born will be named after your parents favorite sport.

2) Your second-born will be named after a nearby area that you're not from but you like the sound of part of the name, and maybe you have nostalgic memories of said place.

3) Your third-born will be named after another nearby place, for no reason other than you already have two children and don't have time to put much thought into another name.

4) Your fourth gets a "cool" name.

5) Your fifth gets something mythological, possibly straight out of Lord of the Rings.

WHICH MAKES MY KIDS:
Football, Ann (Arbor), Fern (dale), Zeke, Morgaine 

Little Poms New Trick

Little Pom has been through a LOT this summer. Even after all his surgeries, catheterizations, and everything else he's STILL insanely flexible! Check out his newest trick:

He desperately wants to see the circus when it gets to town. I'm scared to take him....afraid he'd end up running away with the acrobats and contortionists!

The Obama Song

This is for everyone who's a fan of the original web classic, the Llama Song. Shout out to L over at http://thoughtsandothersmartaleckremarks.blogspot.com for finding it. :-)

The Ongoing Saga of the Pomegranate Clan

So, my brief foray into the distracting world of presidential politics came to an abrupt end when Little Pom ended up back in the hospital for another surgery. His catheter tube (the dialysis one, not the bladder one) ended up cracked so close to his abdomen that they could not repair it, but had to surgically remove it and put in another one. My stepdad was in town to help us roof the new house and ended up spending 9 hours at the ER with me *after* a full day working on the roof. Lemme tell you, he can sleep ANYWHERE! :-)

LP came through his surgery with flying colors and went back to school shortly thereafter. He has recovered nicely from having two surgeries in two weeks...and I have a great reason for not having posted recently! This past weekend, his dialysis tubing came disconnected in the middle of the night, which subsequently made his machine go c-r-a-z-y. I went to call the hospital to find out what to do and we had no phone service! Gee, thanks Comcast! I called the next day and ripped them apart- they sent out the next available tech and we've been fine. But Daddy did end up back in the ER with Little Pom to get antibiotics to prevent infection. So, that's more time lost from work. Have I mentioned how amazingly understanding my workplace is? They are truly unbelievable.

Our housing situation is crazy right now. Strange things are happening with our apartment- too complicated and convoluted to even get into here, which is saying somthing- and we're struggling to get all the work done on the house that we need to do so that we can move within the timeframe we're working with now. It's just a tiny bit stressful. (Please note the wild sarcasm) Anyway, I have a work conference this weekend, so it's up to Daddy, his father and the Dancing Queen to burn through as much of our task list as possible; because, you know, we kinda like having a roof over our heads...especially what with winter coming and the kidney kid and all. (bitter, sarcastic giggle)

For those who may have noticed, I was asked by Childrens Hospital to take down the .pdf version of the donor screening form from www.kidneykid.com. I pointed out that I was simply trying to save my kids life...they pointed out that the form had their logo on it. :-P I took it down, so if anyone is interested in pursuing possible living kidney donation (c'mon...you KNOW you want to!) please email me directly. 

So, that's the super-short version of why I haven't posted in awhile. Now. Comment me darn it!

Vedddy Eeenteresting!

John McCain and the GOP heart ACORN

Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain at an March 2006 ACORN rally

From Ben Smith at Politico:

The beleaguered Democratic-leaning community group Acorn sends over this photograph: John McCain, in March of 2006, sitting beside Florida Rep. Kendrick Meek at an event Acorn co-sponsored in Florida. The immigration event, which other photos show was packed with red-shirted Acorn member, was co-sponsored by the local Catholic Archdiocese, the SEIU, and other groups.

McCain, still spiting much of his party on immigration at the time, was the headliner. Bertha Lewis, Acorn's chief organizer, said in a statement that came with the photo, “It has deeply saddened us to see Senator McCain abandon his historic support for ACORN and our efforts to support the goals of low-income Americans.”We are sure that the extremists he is trying to get into a froth will be even more excited to learn that John McCain stood shoulder to shoulder with ACORN, at an ACORN co-sponsored event, to promote immigration reform," she said.

(ACORN: McCain and Gop used to be supporters)

Three Weeks

I was challenged by someone close to me to spend three weeks in contemplation, figuring out not what I believe (that hasn't changed much in the past 15 years or so) but rather where I choose to be. I like to float between several religious communities and feel a strong connection to each of them. They each provide something different, something that when coupled with the others, create a whole that I'm rather fond of and work well within. However, my life has become incredibly complicated recently and this friend pointed out that perhaps I was spreading myself a little thin in places that I didn't need to be. It was suggested that I focus on my faith for a solid 21 days, and then decide where I was most invested. WOW. I can't say I disagree with the assessment. It's difficult to balance my work, the schedules of my family members, LP's medical needs and the time constraints that places on us all, and my commitment to several religious groups. I took the challenge and my three weeks starts now. 

I've posted personal apologetics pieces before- defending my faith and my spiritual practice to those who had raised questions. This is NOT that. I'm NOT re-evaluating my relationship with Deity. Instead, I'm thinking about where I worship and what I value in a spiritual community. This is what I've come up with so far:

I mesh well with a spiritual community that...

- Has a strong commitment to social justice work

- Believes in orthopraxy (right action) rather than orthodoxy (right belief)

- Practices in an egalitiarian way that affirms the value of differences and recognizes the ways in which we are all the same

- Connects with the mystical

- Is constantly evolving, yet has connects to a solid foundation of common practice & belief

- Embraces paradox 

- Encourages contribution from everyone

- Has a consistant ritual format that engages through traditional practice

Those are my thoughts so far. It should be interesting to see where these 21 days lead me. In the words of one of my favorite chants:

I am breathing, I am open, I am willing,

I am stepping out into the unknown,

Though the way is uncertain, I am willing,

To listen to the yearning of my soul . . .

The #1 Reason Why I'm NOT voting for McCain

Most of my readers (all 5 of you!) know that I'm the wife of an Iraq War Veteran and that we are members of a Gold Star family. More than choosing Sarah Palin, more than ignoring womens issues, more than anything else, this is why I refuse to vote for McCain and take it as a personal affront (and depending upon who you are, a flat-out betrayal) when others tell me they will. These are the ratings that various groups have given John McCains voting record on military & veterans issues:

McCain Opposes the 21st Century GI Bill Because It Is Too Generous. McCain did not vote on the GI Bill that will provide better educational opportunities to veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, paying full tuition at in-state schools and living expenses for those who have served at least three years since the 9/11 attacks. McCain said he opposes the bill because he thinks the generous benefits would “encourage more people to leave the military.” (S.Amdt. 4803 to H.R. 2642, Vote 137, 5/22/08; Chattanooga Times Free Press, 6/2/08; Boston Globe, 5/23/08; ABCNews.com, 5/26/08)

McCain Voted Against Increased Funding for Veterans’ Health Care. Although McCain told voters at a campaign rally that improving veterans’ health care was his top domestic priority, he voted against increasing funding for veterans’ health care in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. (Greenville News, 12/12/2007; S.Amdt. 2745 to S.C.R. 95, Vote 40, 3/10/04; Senate S.C.R. 18, Vote 55, 3/16/05; S.Amdt. 3007 to S.C.R. 83, Vote 41, 3/14/06; H.R. 1591, Vote 126, 3/29/07)

Opposed an Assured Funding Stream for Veterans’ Health Care. McCain opposed providing an assured funding stream for veterans’ health care, taking into account annual changes in veterans’ population and inflation. (S.Amdt. 3141 to S.C.R. 83, Vote 63, 3/16/06)

McCain Voted Against Adding More Than $400 Million for Veterans’ Care. McCain was one of 13 Republicans to vote against providing an additional $430 million to the Department of Veterans Affairs for outpatient care and treatment for veterans. (S.Amdt. 3642 to H.R. 4939, Vote 98, 4/26/06)

Voted Against Establishing a $1 Billion Trust Fund for Military Health Facilities. McCain voted against establishing a $1 billion trust fund to improve military health facilities by refusing to repeal tax cuts for those making more than $1 million a year. (S.Amdt. 2735 to S.Amdt. 2707 to H.R. 4297, Vote 7, 2/2/06)

McCain Opposed $500 Million for Counseling Services for Veterans with Mental Disorders. McCain voted against an amendment to appropriate $500 million annually from 2006-2010 for counseling, mental health and rehabilitation services for veterans diagnosed with mental illness, posttraumatic stress disorder or substance abuse. (S. 2020, S.Amdt. 2634, Vote 343, 11/17/05)

McCain Voted in Support of Disabled Veterans Only 25 Percent of the Time from 2004-2005. While McCain claims he “has been a leading advocate” for veterans with disabilities, statistics show he supported the Disabled American Veterans’ interests only 25 percent of the time in 2004-2005. In 2006, that figure slipped to 20 percent of the time. (Project Vote Smart)

McCain Voted Against Providing Automatic Cost-of-Living Adjustments to Veterans. McCain voted against providing automatic annual cost-ofliving adjustments for certain veterans’ benefits. (S. 869, Vote 259, 11/20/91)

INCLUDING BETTER ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR GUARD AND RESERVISTS

McCain Opposed Increasing Spending on TRICARE and Giving Greater Access to National Guard and Reservists.Although his campaign website devotes a large section to veterans issues, including expanding benefits for reservists and members of the National Guard, McCain voted against increasing spending on the TRICARE program by $20.3 billion over 10 years to give members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families greater access to the health care program. The increase would be offset by a reduction in tax cuts for the wealthy. (www.johnmccain.com/Informing/ Issues/9cb5d2aa-f237-464e-9cdf-a5ad32771b9f.htm; S.Amdt. 324 to S.C.R. 23, Vote 81, 3/25/03)

McCAIN ALSO VOTED TO OUTSOURCE JOBS AT MILITARY FACILITIES

McCain Supported Outsourcing VA Jobs. McCain opposed an amendment that would have prevented the Department of Veterans Affairs from outsourcing jobs, many held by blue-collar veterans, without first giving the workers a chance to compete. (S.Amdt. 2673 to H.R. 2642, Vote 315, 9/6/07)

He Also Supported Outsourcing at Walter Reed. McCain opposed an amendment to prevent the outsourcing of 350 federal employee jobs at Walter Reed Army Medical Center—outsourcing that contributed to the scandalous treatment of veterans at Walter Reed that McCain called a “disgrace.” (S.Amdt. 4895 to H.R. 5631, Vote 234, 9/6/06; Speech to VFW in Kansas City, Mo., 4/4/08)

AND HE REPEATEDLY VOTED AGAINST FUNDING FOR THE VETERANS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

2003: McCain Voted Against $122.7 Billion for Department of Veterans Affairs. McCain voted against an appropriations bill that included $122.7 billion in fiscal 2004 for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and other related agencies. (H.R. 2861, Vote 449, 11/12/03)

2001: McCain Voted Against $51 Billion in Veterans Funding. McCain was one of five senators to vote against the bill and seven to vote against the conference report that provided $51.1 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as funding for the federal housing, environmental and emergency management agencies and NASA. (H.R. 2620, Vote 334, 11/8/01; Vote 269, 8/2/01)

2000: McCain Voted Against $47 Billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs. McCain was one of eight senators to vote against a bill that provided $47 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs. (H.R. 4635, Vote 272, 10/12/00)

1999: McCain Voted Against $44.3 Billion for Veterans Programs. McCain was one of five senators to vote against a bill providing $44.3 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, plus funding for other federal agencies. (H.R. 2684, Vote 328, 10/15/99)

1996: McCain Voted Against a $13 Billion Increase in Funding for Veterans Programs. McCain voted against an amendment to increase spending on veterans programs by $13 billion. (S.C.R. 57, Vote 115, 5/16/96)

1995: McCain Voted to Underfund Department of Veterans Affairs. McCain voted for an appropriations bill that underfunded the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development by $8.9 billion. (H.R. 2099, Vote 470, 9/27/95)

1995: McCain Voted Against Closing Tax Loopholes to Increase Veterans Funding by $74 Million. McCain voted against eliminating tax breaks and closing tax loopholes to provide revenue to restore some of the proposed cuts in Veterans Affairs spending. (S.C.R. 13, Vote 226, 5/25/95)

1994: McCain Voted Against Funding the Department of Veterans Affairs. McCain was one of nine senators to vote against appropriating $90 billion in budget authority for the Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development departments. (H.R. 4624, Vote 306, 9/27/94)

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America graded his veterans/military voting record as a D

(http://www.iava.org/full-ratings-list)

Disabled Veterans of America stated that McCain "stood up for us" only 11 out of 32 key votes.

(http://dav.capwiz.com/bio/id/192&lvl=C&chamber=S)

A Letter from Abigal Adams, to the President

 "I cannot say that I think you are very generous to the ladies; for, whilst you are proclaiming peace and good-will to men, emancipating all nations, you insist upon retaining an absolute power over wives.

        "But you must remember that arbitrary power is like most other things which are very hard, very liable to be broken; and, notwithstanding all your wise laws and maxims, we have it in our power, not only to free ourselves, but to subdue our masters, and without violence, throw both your natural and legal authority at our feet."

I'm No Pundit, But...

1) What the heck was John McCain writing on his little yellow pad last night? He seemed to be writing down the question he'd been asked, before answering it. At one point, when asked to rank three issues in terms of priority level, he had to ask them to be repeated so he could write them down. WTF? Seriously....regardless of political affiliation, I want a President who can retain a 3-item list. When the First Lady says "John, can you run out and pick up eggs, rice and cat food." I want him to REMEMBER eggs, rice and cat food without needing to write it down! 

2) McCain also needs to be told not to walk around. When he does, he looks like the Penguin from Batman. I realize that it's probably mean to sound critical of someone with physical limitations, but trust me- this is for his campaigns own good. When he walks, he looks OLD. And the last thing people want in a President is someone who's infirm. FDR gave an aura of strength & vitality, dispite his disabilities and I think that someone needs to tell McCain that he's doing himself no favors in strutting around the dias like he's trying to find his walker. He would've been better off to stay seated and project an air of "I'm so confident, I can do this sitting down."

 This?

  Or This?

3) It seemed like every "What Would You Do?" question was answered by McCain with something along the lines of "That? That's easy! I've got that one in the bag! No problem!" Which begs the question- "Really? Social Security/Afghanistan/Balancing Several Major priorities isn't a problem? Then why haven't you, in your 26 years of service (or heck, in the past 6 months!) thrown those brilliant, easy, obvious solutions out there, huh?" 

 Remarkable!

4) Just because I'm guessing some of you are thinking I'm a little less-than-objective (you're right...I'm an Obama supporter!) here's a criticism of BOTH candidates: how come neither one of you addressed WOMEN'S issues? McCain- your trophy running mate is against abortion, even in cases of rape or incest. DEFEND THAT POSITION. Explain to me why *her* daughter gets to "choose life" (although I would question how free that choice really was)...while *my* daughter would be denied that same choice, even if she were raped. 

And Barak, why did you not CALL him on that point? Why did you not speak to the fact that women are disproportionately inpacted by poor economic conditions? Why did you not make the connections between a woman's access to birth control (which the current administration is trying to restrict...a move Sarah Palin supports) and her economic security? Why not highlight the fact that your running mate, whatever his flaws, authored the Violence Against Women Act, which protects & supports women exiting domestic violence relationships...women who statistically struggle more financially than their peers, regardless of race or class? Why not discuss the fact that the mortgage crisis is more likely to impact single mothers than any other group? And why not tie that fact *back* into a need for open access to family planning resources, so that struggling mothers are not forced to add MORE mouths to their table, simply because a Rite Aid pharmacist doesn't want to have to fill her legal prescription for a non-controlled substance? 

C'mon boys! To quote Abigail Adams:

 "Remember the ladies."

Little Pom on the Presidential Debate

LP: What does the red light mean?

Me: It means that he's out of time.

LP: Then why is he still talking? He's got too many words.

Explaining Sarah Palin

In an attempt to distract myself from my rain-of-crap day by turning to something slightly less weighty, like politics, I found the following quote. It's Carey Tennis, of Salon.com, explaining how the Conservative Establishment uses ignorance as a tool of power and control. It explains Dubya just as nicely as it does Palin...whom it was written about. Here it is:

"Inarticulateness is the weapon of the authoritarian in this way: To speak clearly is to risk being understood and thus disagreed with. To speak clearly is to invite debate. To obfuscate and muddle is to avoid disagreement and debate and force the issue to one of power. The refusal to speak clearly is an invitation for issues to be resolved by power alone: I don't have to speak clearly because you have no choice in this anyway. I'm going to do what I'm going to do."

Makes quite a bit of sense, doesn't it? It also gives some excellent insight into handle those people we all have in our lives who seem so smart & capable & often in-charge, yet can't string together a coherent sentence.

Crushed

There are no words for this day.

I am crushed.

Crash!

Okay, remember how proud I was of my productivity before? If not, scroll down. If you usually come here to read my "awww...isn't it inspirational how well she handles all of this?" kinda posts, you might want to skip this one.

Still here?

Anyway...

I think I've officially hit a wall. 

I'm exhausted, overwhelmed, overburdened and generally down in the dumps. Here's my 2-minute pity party:

1) LP had to have emergency surgery on Monday, to repair his dialysis catheter, which cracked so close to his skin that they could not repair it. So, I started out by losing 3 days of work to take be with him. And while I might not be doing much at the hospital, believe me when I say that it is FAR from restful or relaxing. :-P

2) Thanks to my 3 day delay, I had to try and cram a weeks worth of work into the past 2 days at the office. I've hit the ground running every morning and pretty much don't stop until the end of the day or longer. 

3) The Dancing Queen told us tonight that she needs $400 for costume deposits (that's right....just the DEPOSIT) by October 10th. I don't have and I won't have it. That's like a car payment or two (depending upon your financing) and she truly can't understand why it's a big deal. She's so angry and resentful right now. Because you know, I need more stress in my life.  

4) I'm working tomorrow. THEN going to the Bunny House to work. THEN spending Sunday there as well. Good news: we're making progress! Bad news: I'm exhausted and won't have any time to rest before jumping right back into another work week.

5) I'm responsible for so many little details now. I feel like I'm jugging 17 million balls and that the world will implode if I drop one of them. LP's care, DQ's schedule, schooling & needs (to say nothing of wants), house renovation, SEVERAL projects at work. I am so overwhelmed right now. My usual brave face? Missing in Action.

I need a spa day. Forget that. I need like, a 3 day weekend somewhere that has no phones but lots of massage therapists. I need to reconnect with my life (the part that's mine...not the part that's momma/stepmomma/wife/volunteer/caretaker/employee/renovator/medical coordinator/etc/etc/etc). Frankly, there is no time in my day to be ME. To attend to MY needs. To remember that I do have a function as a human being separate from everyone else around me. 

I'm just so tired.

Okay, I'm done now.