A game in which the outcome would determine the future of the sport...
Wow. Well, I'm sitting watching the election returns come in with M. It's the culmination of an exciting day...and exciting election...and of course a crucial time in our lives.
The thoughts are tumbling and I want to remember them.
I'm not sure if it's the players involved in this election, the fact that it's the first I've experienced but not covered since the career change or if it's just my love of news and politics, but it's been so interesting...so thought-provoking...so tough. I've thought...prayed...hemmed and hawed because it feels as though this is such an important election. More so than I can really express with words.
This morning, I woke up at 5:30am and pretty much lept out of bed to turn on the TV. The last few weeks have been filled with debate and punditry and I love it! Hearing what a variety of people think and choosing for myself.
Anyway, I woke up so early to watch and am still feeling that same anticipation! The day at work was pure torture knowing that a in a few hours we would know. Finally know!!!
There is a feeling of anticipatory excitement in the air everywhere...the voting lines (long, long voting lines) where parents were animatedly chatting with the kids they brought to observe...the elderly election workers were recognizing and cheering for the new, first time voters...where the old man patted an 18-ish guy on the shoulder and told him to remember how important it is to vote...how it's such an important responsibility.
(which of course, brought tears to my eyes thinking of my grandfathers...all they saw and fought for so we can have the privilege to vote)
That same feeling was in the air at work...where people proudly displayed their "I voted" stickers, talked about the lines and how they too can't wait to hear the results. And about how Tim Russert would have been positively gleeful at the excitement of this race!!
A feeling that history is happening. Whether it's the first black man elected to the presidency or first woman elected VP. History. Progress. So exciting. A feel like I've not experienced progress like this in my lifetime. Wow.
So, as I watch the results of Ohio, Virgina and Pennsylvania roll in, I'm saying a quiet prayer of thanks...for a true democracy, a society that little girls and minorities can dream of being president and the assurance, of course, that none of this is a surprise to our Lord, who continues to be in control.
And I'm loving the anticipation.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Happy Belated Halloween!!
carved 'em up...
and welcomed some of our very favorite trick-or-treaters!!
In what's come to be a bit of a tradition, my dear friend Blommy Mogger brings her kids over post-trick-or-treat so they can play with the dog and hang out while we visit with she and her hubs.
She is such a gem and I so love she and her family. We been through some interesting times and I'm glad the Lord brought her into my life!! Love you, K!
The next day, this little guy came over to visit! He is one of M's best friend's baby and we love watching him grow!
And discover Oggy!
Happy (belated) Halloween!!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Prayers, please
It looks like sweet little Aiden Cox is experiencing some health problems. Nothing too serious, but I know it must be tough on his mom and dad. I know they appreciate your thoughts and prayers! Thanks!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
California Cutie!!
Drew and Kim Cox welcomed their first baby yesterday!! Little Aiden Jonathan was born at 4:48 in the afternoon! He is a little cutie and mom and dad are, of course, thrilled!
Details are available on their blog!
I'm not sure who's going to be a bigger soccer fan...Isla or Aiden...could be touch and go! hee!
Congrats, Kim and Drew! Can't wait to meet and cuddle little Aiden!
Details are available on their blog!
I'm not sure who's going to be a bigger soccer fan...Isla or Aiden...could be touch and go! hee!
Congrats, Kim and Drew! Can't wait to meet and cuddle little Aiden!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Hooray for the Marathon Runners!
This past weekend, Stephanie and Erik both completed their first Marathons!!! Congratulations, you two!
Erik ran the Ashland, WI marathon on Saturday.
Steph did the Chicago on Sunday.
Very admirable feat! Congrats!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Help! Please! (the clock is ticking...)
Well, I have a BIG problem. I don't know who to vote for. And election day is coming quickly!
Please, any insight is appreciated.
It's not a lack of interest...I'm following closely! But rather a lack of clarity.
I figured I could at least lay out the things I do know. Which aren't a lot.
Here is what I do know: (kinda wordy--sorry)
1. I am a Christian, a professed follower of Jesus Christ. I strive to live my life in a Christ-like manner and feel my faith should dictate my actions.
2. I am generally pretty socially conservative. But with cavets.
a. I am pro-life and personally opposed to abortion. I think it is a sad thing and not something I could bring myself to do. I think as a country we should strive to reduce the number of abortions performed. I do not believe Roe v. Wade should be overturned as I believe there need to be laws establishing legal abortion and the limits on it. I do believe partial term abortion should be illegal.
b. I am STRONGLY in favor of gay rights and believe NOTHING about a person’s sexuality should prohibit his or her civil rights. Neither should their race, religion, gender, etc, etc, etc. People are people and it’s time we stopped freaking out about differences.
3. Though I work hard and value my income, money is less important than people. For example, if someone asked me this rhetorical question (let's say you're given the opportunity to donate some money to a desperate family who would use it to feed their children, but were only able to do so if you donated the same amount of money to someone you knew would use it to buy crack. Would you do it?) my answer would be yes.
a. That said, I do not believe “programs” are necessarily a good thing. I’ve worked for governmental agencies, and holy wasted money, batman. But they’re not inherently bad, either.
4. Why we went into Iraq is a moot point, we’re they’re. We need to scale back because:
a. We are creating a shortage of troops if something else were to require our troops.
b. Too many lives are being lost for the goal of what? I’ve sat with two different families shortly after they lost a loved one in Iraq and it was life-changing. I think we need a better justification for losing the most valuable part of a society: those willing to serve their country.
But how? No clue. There are experts (I hope) to figure that out.
5. I have had BAD experiences with unions. They originally served a very important role and were a strong force for good in our nation’s labor history. I get that. But I feel like they are corrupt and no longer serving the good of nation as a whole.
a. i.e. I was FORCED to be part of a union (and pay union dues), a union that specifically did nothing when myself and other employees were in a physically dangerous situation in our workplace. In addition, the dues I paid went toward supporting a political candidate I did not support. I could go on but will only add this. Michigan’s automakers are losing biz hand over fist. Unions have negotiated salaries and pensions so high that janitors are making 60k +. I think that makes it hard to run an viable business.
Ok, so those are the “I knows”…but there are just a few and none that lead in a specific political direction. Sigh…
I make a bad democrat (too socially conservative, too opposed to govm’t programs) and a bad republican (not overly concerned about taxes, think we need to get out of Iraq)
Thoughts?
Please, any insight is appreciated.
It's not a lack of interest...I'm following closely! But rather a lack of clarity.
I figured I could at least lay out the things I do know. Which aren't a lot.
Here is what I do know: (kinda wordy--sorry)
1. I am a Christian, a professed follower of Jesus Christ. I strive to live my life in a Christ-like manner and feel my faith should dictate my actions.
2. I am generally pretty socially conservative. But with cavets.
a. I am pro-life and personally opposed to abortion. I think it is a sad thing and not something I could bring myself to do. I think as a country we should strive to reduce the number of abortions performed. I do not believe Roe v. Wade should be overturned as I believe there need to be laws establishing legal abortion and the limits on it. I do believe partial term abortion should be illegal.
b. I am STRONGLY in favor of gay rights and believe NOTHING about a person’s sexuality should prohibit his or her civil rights. Neither should their race, religion, gender, etc, etc, etc. People are people and it’s time we stopped freaking out about differences.
3. Though I work hard and value my income, money is less important than people. For example, if someone asked me this rhetorical question (let's say you're given the opportunity to donate some money to a desperate family who would use it to feed their children, but were only able to do so if you donated the same amount of money to someone you knew would use it to buy crack. Would you do it?) my answer would be yes.
a. That said, I do not believe “programs” are necessarily a good thing. I’ve worked for governmental agencies, and holy wasted money, batman. But they’re not inherently bad, either.
4. Why we went into Iraq is a moot point, we’re they’re. We need to scale back because:
a. We are creating a shortage of troops if something else were to require our troops.
b. Too many lives are being lost for the goal of what? I’ve sat with two different families shortly after they lost a loved one in Iraq and it was life-changing. I think we need a better justification for losing the most valuable part of a society: those willing to serve their country.
But how? No clue. There are experts (I hope) to figure that out.
5. I have had BAD experiences with unions. They originally served a very important role and were a strong force for good in our nation’s labor history. I get that. But I feel like they are corrupt and no longer serving the good of nation as a whole.
a. i.e. I was FORCED to be part of a union (and pay union dues), a union that specifically did nothing when myself and other employees were in a physically dangerous situation in our workplace. In addition, the dues I paid went toward supporting a political candidate I did not support. I could go on but will only add this. Michigan’s automakers are losing biz hand over fist. Unions have negotiated salaries and pensions so high that janitors are making 60k +. I think that makes it hard to run an viable business.
Ok, so those are the “I knows”…but there are just a few and none that lead in a specific political direction. Sigh…
I make a bad democrat (too socially conservative, too opposed to govm’t programs) and a bad republican (not overly concerned about taxes, think we need to get out of Iraq)
Thoughts?
Friday, October 3, 2008
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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