This says it all - October 2008

Its Almost Over - My Personal Rant on Election 2008

I haven't involved myself in politics, really, ever. I loved Bill Clinton, and as unpopular as my view was at the time, I felt an impeachment over a "you know what" was and remains ridiculous. I find it incredible to this day that we were party to such an agenda. Bill Clinton was a fiscally responsible leader, a human being, smart and most importantly, lead our country to a prosperous economy - WITH NO WAR.

Then there was Al Gore. He was the only candidate I ever truly got excited about. Not believing in conspiracies, per se, it was not until many years after he "lost" the election, when other truths were uncovered, that I entertained the idea that there very likely was a conspiracy and the presidency was won by George W. Bush. Again, I find it incredible to this day that we were a party to such an agenda. My cynicism was hard earned. I became one of those people who voted the independent or green party candidate - basically, unfortunately, a throw away vote in our society. Voters like myself probably lost the last election and we were stuck with W for another 4 years bringing us to the disastrous situation we are in today.

So, after a very long process, nearly 2 years, I have lost most of my cynicism and feel hopeful that we will have Obama as our new president. To me, he is most like me. He has worked hard, has succeeded despite (maybe in spite of) being a half-black half-white man, no father, a single mother, not overly liberal or conservative - seems to have an uncanny common sense barometer. He is educated, intelligent, a leader with new ideas, no good-old-boy agendas, and a fresh perspective on politics. I believe he will do everything in his power to get this Country great again. He will make mistakes - and let's face it, he has been handed a pile of fresh, steaming manure to work with. But, for the first time in many years I feel hopeful that our Country will once again be looked upon as the Leader of the Free World. I'm tired of being the laughing stock of the World, chasing down supposed terrorists, and non-existent weapons of mass destruction, in oil-rich countries and calling it a war. But, I'll save that for another blog post.

Long story short, I want thank all of my friends and family for the healthy debates these past 22 months. Thank you for getting involved, being passionate, caring about our Country, our environment and our global community. Mostly, I thank you for giving me hope and taking me out of my cynical perspective and convincing me again, that my vote will make a difference. And, last but not least, I truly thank Sen. McCain for giving us Sarah Palin. Not only has she helped the Obama campaign, but the comedy has been outstanding.

With a Blink of an Eye

Summer is nearly over! I haven't blogged since, gosh, I don't recall. Anyhow, I finally made it to Bonneville - the last pure venue for speed enthusiasts - absolutely fantastic only downside is the darn saltflats - so bright I have sunburned eyeballs. Well worth every bit of the effort though and got to see the new Seth Hammond Lakester run for its inaugural run (qualifying speed of 244 - will eventually see over 400 mph!). What else.

Katy graduated from UC Santa Cruz - gives me goosebumps to think that my little quiet, "loving surprise child" (her own description at 10 years old) is now a very mature, serious and still loving woman. I can't wait to see what other surprises are in store for me from Katy...2 down 1 to go.

Then, there was the 4th of July pig roast, 50th birthday bash for Paul. Met some new friends, had a great time and would definitely do it again.

Along with the normal bumps in the road with family health issues and work, I am constantly reminded of the love within my family and gratitude for everyone and everything in my life. My son has turned into the man I always knew he would be, Chloe is over the hump of the past couple of years and I am still the happiest wife around. I am truly blessed.

Best recent read: The Five People You Meet in Heaven (Mitch Albom) - quick read but fabulous Best recent movie: Mamma Mia!! If you haven't seen it - you absolutely must. It is a joy to behold.
Best recent old-school thought: Just went and bought Tammy and the Bachelor and Tammy Tell me True...thought it would be fun to re-visit these oldies with Chloe. Sheesh another lifetime ago.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: I have finally learned how to text message. Thought you were safe from me, didn't you Chloe??

CUL8TR

Cheerio my friends.

Family Days

I was reminded last night by Thomas and Chloe that in our house Sunday was "family day". This was something I had insisted upon - probably a throw back to my own childhood when on Sundays my mom would cook fried chicken and potato salad or a roast with gravy, we would have an early dinner, watch Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom and call it a night. She still cooks a roast most Sundays. For me, family day was a day dedicated to our family - no playing with friends, breakfast of waffles or pancakes, a nice sit down dinner and simply a day to catch up from the week's activities and spend quality time by ourselves or with each other. Some days were spent in solitude reading, some watching movies or sports, some cooking (calzones comes to mind) and it really was a day that each of us used to rejuvenate however we needed. Thomas and Chloe also reminded me that it was a day to catch up on household chores not completed during the week. I smiled at that memory as conveniently I had forgotten that part.

I think I can safely say that this tradition has become ingrained in my children and my guess is it will continue when they have their own children. It feels right to spend Sundays with family and as my family expands, grows old, and moves away, I will always be ready for a Sunday supper sitting around the dinner table reminiscing about "family days" new and old.

Drying Dishes

I did something this week that I probably haven't done in 20 years: I washed, dried (by hand) and put away the dinner dishes. It was old school for sure and kind of relaxing in a strange way. It was also very poignant because I realized that all of a sudden the daily chores in my life have changed. When I was in the midst of raising kids my life was all about multi-tasking - my time was not my own and I never really had the chance to give any one thing my undivided attention. Homework, readying for the next day, laundry, projects, household chores and kids consumed my life. In retrospect, I spent most days just keeping up only to do it all over again the next day. Drying the dishes took me back to a time in my life that I had forgotten - I could literally hear my Mom's voice say, "you missed a spot".

These are my peeps

Clowning around on Thanksgiving Day 2007 with (from left) Beav (Matt), Katy, Josh, Me, Chloe, My Main Squeeze, Adri, and Thomas. We still know how to have fun!

Good Bye 2007

I, for one, was not unhappy to see the backside of 2007. It was such a tumultuous, "active" year - not only for me, but for many people I know. Along with some really great events in my life, some really sad, surprising, and unexpected things also took place. Not just for me, but for many people that I am in contact with. For me, the year started with my ex having a brain aneurysm and 3 subsequent strokes. It continued with a move from my home of 20 years into a new home. My youngest child graduated from high school 2 weeks before my Dad passed away. I saw one of my great childhood friends get married (for the first time!) and hosted many monumental moment parties - wedding shower, baby shower (2), 50th birthday parties, housewarming party, etc. etc. I attended 4 weddings, 1 funeral, at least 5 major parties and had 3 vacations. All this, while having the best year ever with my career. This was not a mellow, forgettable year. It will be one that stands out among others for many years to come. As Seth Hammond told Mike (the owner of his company) - "You and Kathy get the trophy for fitting as much shit as possible into one year". It should go on the mantle.