On what's kind of shaping up to be a crappy week!
http://www.weboflove.org/060309cabride
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Who Knew?
Ever have those "apparently the entire world knew this and I didn't...so glad I'm the last" moments? I have them a lot!! For example, we have a computer, but no printer. We upgraded M's computer about a year ago, and when Dell sent it back, it didn't have the big spot where you hook up a printer.
"oh no!!!" we thought. How are we ever going to get a printer without sending this back to the company and being without a computer for a few weeks?
Fast forward to yesterday. We go to Best Buy to start looking for printers. I suddenly thought, "hey, maybe they make printers that hook to your computer through the USB port...like the mouse does."
But I doubted it, so hesitated to ask. Finally, I gird up and ask the salesman if, and I know this sounds silly...but do they, uh, happen, to uh, carry printers that connect to the computer through a USB port instead of the big, standard hook up thing that, we don't have on our computer, long story, but we thought that, before sending the computer back, we should just check and I know it's a long shot, but just check to see if any of the printers hook up through USB..."
And on, and on. And he let me finish before gently telling me that, yes, indeed that is the standard for hooking up printers and has been for quite some time.
Uff. I felt like I had just asked where they had the lastest VCR's.
"oh no!!!" we thought. How are we ever going to get a printer without sending this back to the company and being without a computer for a few weeks?
Fast forward to yesterday. We go to Best Buy to start looking for printers. I suddenly thought, "hey, maybe they make printers that hook to your computer through the USB port...like the mouse does."
But I doubted it, so hesitated to ask. Finally, I gird up and ask the salesman if, and I know this sounds silly...but do they, uh, happen, to uh, carry printers that connect to the computer through a USB port instead of the big, standard hook up thing that, we don't have on our computer, long story, but we thought that, before sending the computer back, we should just check and I know it's a long shot, but just check to see if any of the printers hook up through USB..."
And on, and on. And he let me finish before gently telling me that, yes, indeed that is the standard for hooking up printers and has been for quite some time.
Uff. I felt like I had just asked where they had the lastest VCR's.
Funny is funny...
Seriously, I'm not trying to pick on Grandma DJ's "Second Most Favorite Sarah," but funny is funny...not matter how you slice it!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
This almost made me want to quit eating ice cream
You wouldn't believe me if I told you, so you'll just have to read this for yourself.
http://www.wnbc.com/news/17539627/detail.html
http://www.wnbc.com/news/17539627/detail.html
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Politics: Part II
Okay, I still haven't finished my post on politics, but came across this one and thought it good food for thought. I would have posted the original link, but the language is way offensive...
Much of the original post is completely opposite of my view of "don't rip people apart...focus on the issues," but still has some good points.
One final caveat...I have NO party affiliation, don't know who I will vote for and am trying to be as informed and true to my values as possible (again, the really-well thought out post is coming!!) But I love, love, love politics and thought this to be very thought-provoking.
So, here it is. It's from http://www.dooce.com/ (her daughter, 4, is Leta)
...Any time I engage with one of my conservative friends or family members, or sometimes the conservative commenters on this website, it usually devolves into them screaming about WELFARE! and TAXES! and THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING MY MONEY AND GIVING IT TO PEOPLE WHO DON'T WORK! And what they don't understand is that this is not the issue at all. What I and many of my more liberal friends want is to HELP people, not give them a free ride, but also not to ignore those who would benefit from us tossing them a life jacket.
Case in point: Because Leta was diagnosed with plagiocephaly when she was two months old, she cannot qualify for private insurance until she is thirteen years old. So the only insurance we can get her is high-risk insurance that costs us upwards of $300 a month. Just for her alone. And even then that insurance won't cover anything until she has reached a $3000 deductible. I am fortunate enough to have grown up in a white, middle class family who could afford to send me to college, as did my husband, and we have enough work experience to run a business that makes it so that we can afford this insurance for our daughter. We don't have to make the choice between buying food or insuring our daughter. We are really f**king lucky.
But what about the family who cannot afford that insurance for their child? The family who can barely make rent, and if they stretch the budget they can eat three meals a day all week, let's hope nothing bad happens to their kids because then they're screwed. Kids, go hug your father, he's off to one of his three jobs, none of which provide him insurance. And it's not because he's lazy or unwilling to work, it's that his family couldn't afford to send him to college, or he came from a family that didn't know they should encourage him to go to college because they were busy trying to survive. If giving up more of my paycheck could help get this family adequate healthcare, then PLEASE. TAKE MY F**KING MONEY.
I get the feeling that people around the world are looking at this election as a gauge to see if America is finally ready to wake up and realize that we are not the only country on this planet. They are waiting to see if we are going to put yet another fundamentalist loon in charge of public and foreign policy, someone who doesn't think that global warming is in any way caused by humans, so screw the rest of you who live here on this planet, we need that cup of oil with breakfast in the morning...
Ok, Sarah again. Yes, I know that's harsh...
Here is the line I want to focus on: "If giving up more of my paycheck could help get this family adequate healthcare, then PLEASE. TAKE MY F**KING MONEY"
So, how do we not be so concerned about money, but more concerned with helping "the least of these". Afterall, we can't take much with us! :) But that said, I don't necessarily believe grabbing more tax money and pumping it into gov. programs will indeed get that family adequate healthcare.
So, that's my search for political enlightenment today!
:)
Much of the original post is completely opposite of my view of "don't rip people apart...focus on the issues," but still has some good points.
One final caveat...I have NO party affiliation, don't know who I will vote for and am trying to be as informed and true to my values as possible (again, the really-well thought out post is coming!!) But I love, love, love politics and thought this to be very thought-provoking.
So, here it is. It's from http://www.dooce.com/ (her daughter, 4, is Leta)
...Any time I engage with one of my conservative friends or family members, or sometimes the conservative commenters on this website, it usually devolves into them screaming about WELFARE! and TAXES! and THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING MY MONEY AND GIVING IT TO PEOPLE WHO DON'T WORK! And what they don't understand is that this is not the issue at all. What I and many of my more liberal friends want is to HELP people, not give them a free ride, but also not to ignore those who would benefit from us tossing them a life jacket.
Case in point: Because Leta was diagnosed with plagiocephaly when she was two months old, she cannot qualify for private insurance until she is thirteen years old. So the only insurance we can get her is high-risk insurance that costs us upwards of $300 a month. Just for her alone. And even then that insurance won't cover anything until she has reached a $3000 deductible. I am fortunate enough to have grown up in a white, middle class family who could afford to send me to college, as did my husband, and we have enough work experience to run a business that makes it so that we can afford this insurance for our daughter. We don't have to make the choice between buying food or insuring our daughter. We are really f**king lucky.
But what about the family who cannot afford that insurance for their child? The family who can barely make rent, and if they stretch the budget they can eat three meals a day all week, let's hope nothing bad happens to their kids because then they're screwed. Kids, go hug your father, he's off to one of his three jobs, none of which provide him insurance. And it's not because he's lazy or unwilling to work, it's that his family couldn't afford to send him to college, or he came from a family that didn't know they should encourage him to go to college because they were busy trying to survive. If giving up more of my paycheck could help get this family adequate healthcare, then PLEASE. TAKE MY F**KING MONEY.
I get the feeling that people around the world are looking at this election as a gauge to see if America is finally ready to wake up and realize that we are not the only country on this planet. They are waiting to see if we are going to put yet another fundamentalist loon in charge of public and foreign policy, someone who doesn't think that global warming is in any way caused by humans, so screw the rest of you who live here on this planet, we need that cup of oil with breakfast in the morning...
Ok, Sarah again. Yes, I know that's harsh...
Here is the line I want to focus on: "If giving up more of my paycheck could help get this family adequate healthcare, then PLEASE. TAKE MY F**KING MONEY"
So, how do we not be so concerned about money, but more concerned with helping "the least of these". Afterall, we can't take much with us! :) But that said, I don't necessarily believe grabbing more tax money and pumping it into gov. programs will indeed get that family adequate healthcare.
So, that's my search for political enlightenment today!
:)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Politics: Part I
I'm planning an articulate, thought-provoking post on politics. I've drafted it in word and I'm getting ready to post it. But it's not ready yet....mainly because I keep arguing with myself. But part of what I was going to post is covered very eloquently by a co-worker here.
She and I were discussing yesterday our deep desire to have our country recognize, in a non-partisan way, how very admirable all four people in this race (McCain, Obama, Palin and Biden) are...and then focus on the issues so important to our country.
We can think an individual is very accomplished, even admirable, but not agree with his or her policies.
Ok. Quitting for now. But will do the political post soon...as soon as I can agree with myself on what I want to say! :)
She and I were discussing yesterday our deep desire to have our country recognize, in a non-partisan way, how very admirable all four people in this race (McCain, Obama, Palin and Biden) are...and then focus on the issues so important to our country.
We can think an individual is very accomplished, even admirable, but not agree with his or her policies.
Ok. Quitting for now. But will do the political post soon...as soon as I can agree with myself on what I want to say! :)
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Wedding (Part I of many): Cousin Erik
Well, I have decided this blog is sort of my journal...a way to remember things. I can reflect, record, relive. I think I can even pay someone to put it into book form so when the internet 10.0 comes along and everything we've created becomes unreadable, I’ll still have it. Photos and all.
(which means this blah…blah…blah…may be of no interest to you. That’s OK. I won’t be offended. :)
So…I decided to start with my lovely usher-cousin, Erik.
As adults, I’ve come to know Erik as not only a person I admire, but as a friend. His sense of humor is drier than the Mojave in a drought, but he can be every bit as goofy as me. He understands what is important in life, but doesn’t take himself too seriously. He is true to himself and has an incredible devotion to his family…making the rest of my Grandma G’s grandkids look like a bunch of slackers! Haha.
I knew I wanted him to be a part of my wedding day simply because he is someone I adore and admire. In the hectic craziness of the day leading up to the wedding, Erik and I ended up getting several hours alone…mainly to go pick up the dress from the lady who forgot to alter it. That’s another post.
(which means this blah…blah…blah…may be of no interest to you. That’s OK. I won’t be offended. :)
Since the wedding was 4 and half months ago, and I still haven’t written about it, I figured I had better start. Since the weekend was SO filled with events, friends, family, food, hugs, stories, tears, tornadoes, flowers and a prayer chair, I figured I had to break it into manageable slices. Pick an element, write about what I remember (if you’re bothering to read this and remember something related to the topic, add it in the comments. We all know my memory is not so good sometimes! Haha!)
So…I decided to start with my lovely usher-cousin, Erik.
Why start here? Well, no good reason. Just that I just threw Cindy McCain at him on facebook, so he was on my mind.
(Erik is on the right...our friend Mark on the left)
Here’s a bit of history. Erik is the oldest "coussin"on my dad’s side, and ever since I can remember, he’s been one of my most favorite people in the whole world. As kids (hey, mom? Remember those pics I asked you to scan and send? Those will go here!) we tortured our younger siblings, plotted out “bases” in pine trees and played hours of monopoly. As a teenager, there wasn’t much cooler than my cousin in college. Yep, on occasion, I got to go to Concordia and hang out with him! Woo hoo!
Here’s a bit of history. Erik is the oldest "coussin"on my dad’s side, and ever since I can remember, he’s been one of my most favorite people in the whole world. As kids (hey, mom? Remember those pics I asked you to scan and send? Those will go here!) we tortured our younger siblings, plotted out “bases” in pine trees and played hours of monopoly. As a teenager, there wasn’t much cooler than my cousin in college. Yep, on occasion, I got to go to Concordia and hang out with him! Woo hoo!
As adults, I’ve come to know Erik as not only a person I admire, but as a friend. His sense of humor is drier than the Mojave in a drought, but he can be every bit as goofy as me. He understands what is important in life, but doesn’t take himself too seriously. He is true to himself and has an incredible devotion to his family…making the rest of my Grandma G’s grandkids look like a bunch of slackers! Haha.
I knew I wanted him to be a part of my wedding day simply because he is someone I adore and admire. In the hectic craziness of the day leading up to the wedding, Erik and I ended up getting several hours alone…mainly to go pick up the dress from the lady who forgot to alter it. That’s another post.
But, dear Erik relieved my mom and Steph of the sweetness and light I’m sure I was by that point, and we set out to pick up his tux, get my dress (which he learned to bustle properly at 432 different points on the train) and a much-needed jolt of caffine and sugar.
(it was sort of like Sodoku with tulle and lace)
That day, in the insanity of entertaining people from 16 states, I was able to grab some solace with my timeless friend.
The friend who has made me laugh from the bottom of my toes since I was a little girl in the front yard of our Montrose house (uh, mom? Pics?) continues to make me grin just thinking of him.
Thanks, Erik, for being such a great part of the day!
Love,
The Queen Bee
(I have no idea why he calls me that!)
buzz...buzz...
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Updates from the Dog
Oggy the Doggy has been very busy blogging lately and would like you to check in.
http://www.oggysbloggy.blogspot.com/
http://www.oggysbloggy.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Labor Day Fun and Games
Labor Day weekend was a fun (but way too short) one here in KS. Our friend Stephanie returned safely from her exotic surf/yoga trip to Bali...maybe she'll guest blog and share pictures one of these days!
But not good enough...because someone else was the big winner! haha.
Here is slightly less exotic Overland Park, we got a long-awaited visit from cousin Garrett, who we've not seen in over a year!!! He does work with a church in New Zealand and is home for a couple weeks! It's so fun to talk in person (not on facebook chat!!) and get to hear about his "island living". This picture is he and his sister Laura and I.
My two favorite photography subjects played so well in the backyard at our labor day party...but one of them was MUCH more cooperative at sharing toys than the other!
Oggy would anxiously wait for Nicholas to throw the ball....
(with two hands! :)....
But wasn't so good at returning it. So Nicholas got smart and had TWO balls...one to fetch and one to throw. They were pretty cute.
This is Michael and Nicholas playing frisbee..
And Nicholas with his lovely mum.
Later, Nicholas's dad and Uncle thought it would be pretty funny teach him to roll dice...in the dice game they play. With real money.
Here's the little High Roller....
With a good luck blow...
But not good enough...because someone else was the big winner! haha.
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