*****UPDATE - Kendra's long road to recovery continues and her Dad updates us here.*****
I have several posts on this and I want to tie them together.
Supporting a Friend I Haven't Met Yet
Compounding A Tragedy
I Am Techno-capped
If you read them, you will see why you should seriously consider donating to the Kendra Johnson Fund.
Here's how -
Do you have a PayPal account?
Go and sign in.
Then click on the tab labeled "Send Money".
You will see a box labelled "To (email or mobile phone)", in that box type kendrajohnsonfund@gmail.com.
Next, fill in an amount of money (Princess Crabby says "The bigger, the better!" Ok, just give what you can).
Under "Send money for" I choose "Services/Other", but I don't know that it wouldn't work anyway.
Then you hit "Continue".
The next screen is a review of what you want. It will show that your donation is going to KendraJohnsonFund@Gmail.com and the address is listed as a "Business Partner".
Once you determine that everything is as you want it, hit "Send Money"
You can print the next screen for a receipt, but an email receipt will be sent to you anyway.
See? That was easy.
What if you don't have PayPal? Well you could consider signing up, but there are other options.
Navy Federal Credit Union.
You can go into any branch of the NFCU and tell them that you want to make a deposit into the "Kendra Johnson Fund" You can donate in this way even if you do not have an account with Navy Federal Credit Union. Just find a location near you at this link, walk in and fork over the money. The tellers will know what you mean when you tell them that you want to make a deposit/donation to the "Kendra Johnson Fund".
If you can't go in person, but you do online banking with NFCU, you can go online and transfer funds. The account number is 3014797462.
What if you don't have PayPal or NFCU? Well you can go to your own bank and they can help you wire the money into the NFCU account. Again, you will need the account number 3014797462 but you will also need NFCU's routing number 2560-7497-4. Print this page and bring it into the bank.
Ok? I can't make it much easier for you. Go, donate. And don't forget to keep Kendra and her family and those who love her in your prayers.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Off With Their Heads!!
One of my favorite Disney characters was the Red Queen in "Alice in Wonderland". I aspire to be that despotic.
As I said.....today is the tenth day.
First, Grace called this morning -
G - "Where are you?"
M - "In the shower."
G - "Ack! Visual!"
M - "You asked."
G - "Never mind. What's the timeline? When will the doctor call?"
M - "Probably not today."
G - "Will you call aggressively?"
M - "No. They said ten to fourteen days. Today is the tenth, plus it's a Friday in July. If I haven't heard by Tuesday, I will call."
G - Sounds of exasperation.
Then I get into work and field the same questions with the same answers.
We get a call from my favorite connection at the Jordan Hospital. She is aware of my situation and is going to "keep an eye out" for my test results. However, today she has called on another matter. Rachael hears her name and comes up to me......"What did she say?" I laugh and explain that she was ordering equipment for someone else......"Calm down Grace!" Rachael laughs.
My boss comes in and asks when I am going to call the doctor. I tell her Tuesday. She says she wants to call my doctor's office and pretend to be me.
Next up is a series of emails from Jen
J - "When will you hear from her today?"
M - "It may not be today. Grace called this morning. Everyone in the office has asked, lol. Bette wants to call and pretend to be me. It is far more likely to be Monday."
J - "I realize I was just wondering if she was more likely to call you in the afternoon?"
M - "I think getting the call today is highly unlikely, period. However, she makes her calls in the 1700 to 1900 range."
J - "Keeps your cranky pants on!! Serves us right for caring about cranky Mary…………"
M - "*You* people are bothering me. Not vice versa."
J - "I’m your people?? I don’t know if I want to be in the category."
M - "You are. Deal with it."
Look, I know I waited to tell some people. But you know now. I will tell you any further info as soon as I know it. However, I am not going to crawl up the ass of my medical care team.
It's not helping the state of my mental health if you all call.
As I said.....today is the tenth day.
First, Grace called this morning -
G - "Where are you?"
M - "In the shower."
G - "Ack! Visual!"
M - "You asked."
G - "Never mind. What's the timeline? When will the doctor call?"
M - "Probably not today."
G - "Will you call aggressively?"
M - "No. They said ten to fourteen days. Today is the tenth, plus it's a Friday in July. If I haven't heard by Tuesday, I will call."
G - Sounds of exasperation.
Then I get into work and field the same questions with the same answers.
We get a call from my favorite connection at the Jordan Hospital. She is aware of my situation and is going to "keep an eye out" for my test results. However, today she has called on another matter. Rachael hears her name and comes up to me......"What did she say?" I laugh and explain that she was ordering equipment for someone else......"Calm down Grace!" Rachael laughs.
My boss comes in and asks when I am going to call the doctor. I tell her Tuesday. She says she wants to call my doctor's office and pretend to be me.
Next up is a series of emails from Jen
J - "When will you hear from her today?"
M - "It may not be today. Grace called this morning. Everyone in the office has asked, lol. Bette wants to call and pretend to be me. It is far more likely to be Monday."
J - "I realize I was just wondering if she was more likely to call you in the afternoon?"
M - "I think getting the call today is highly unlikely, period. However, she makes her calls in the 1700 to 1900 range."
J - "Keeps your cranky pants on!! Serves us right for caring about cranky Mary…………"
M - "*You* people are bothering me. Not vice versa."
J - "I’m your people?? I don’t know if I want to be in the category."
M - "You are. Deal with it."
Look, I know I waited to tell some people. But you know now. I will tell you any further info as soon as I know it. However, I am not going to crawl up the ass of my medical care team.
It's not helping the state of my mental health if you all call.
The End of the Affair?
Thanks to Sid in the Phibian's comments
The New Republic
End of the Affair
by Gabriel Sherman
Barack Obama and the press break up.
Post Date Thursday, July 24, 2008
Around midnight on July 16, New York Times chief political correspondent Adam Nagourney received a terse e-mail from Barack Obama's press office. The campaign was irked by the Times' latest poll and Nagourney and Megan Thee's accompanying front-page piece titled "Poll Finds Obama Isn't Closing Divide on Race," which was running in the morning's paper. Nagourney answered the query, the substance of which he says was minor, and went to bed, thinking the matter resolved.
But, the next morning, Nagourney awoke to an e-mail from Talking Points Memo writer Greg Sargent asking him to comment on an eight-point rebuttal trashing his piece that the Obama campaign had released to reporters and bloggers like The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder and Politico's Ben Smith. Nagourney had not heard the complaints from the Obama camp and had no idea they were so steamed. "I'm looking at this thing, and I'm like, 'What the hell is this?' " Nagourney recently recalled. "I really flipped out."
Later that afternoon, Nagourney got permission from Times editors to e-mail Sargent a response to the Obama memo. But the episode still grates. "I've never had an experience like this, with this campaign or others," Nagourney tells me. "I thought they crossed the line. If you have a problem with a story I write, call me first. I'm a big boy. I can handle it. But they never called. They attacked me like I'm a political opponent."
There's more, go read it.
Hehehe! My other favorite line is "So much for "Obama Love."
The New Republic
End of the Affair
by Gabriel Sherman
Barack Obama and the press break up.
Post Date Thursday, July 24, 2008
Around midnight on July 16, New York Times chief political correspondent Adam Nagourney received a terse e-mail from Barack Obama's press office. The campaign was irked by the Times' latest poll and Nagourney and Megan Thee's accompanying front-page piece titled "Poll Finds Obama Isn't Closing Divide on Race," which was running in the morning's paper. Nagourney answered the query, the substance of which he says was minor, and went to bed, thinking the matter resolved.
But, the next morning, Nagourney awoke to an e-mail from Talking Points Memo writer Greg Sargent asking him to comment on an eight-point rebuttal trashing his piece that the Obama campaign had released to reporters and bloggers like The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder and Politico's Ben Smith. Nagourney had not heard the complaints from the Obama camp and had no idea they were so steamed. "I'm looking at this thing, and I'm like, 'What the hell is this?' " Nagourney recently recalled. "I really flipped out."
Later that afternoon, Nagourney got permission from Times editors to e-mail Sargent a response to the Obama memo. But the episode still grates. "I've never had an experience like this, with this campaign or others," Nagourney tells me. "I thought they crossed the line. If you have a problem with a story I write, call me first. I'm a big boy. I can handle it. But they never called. They attacked me like I'm a political opponent."
There's more, go read it.
Hehehe! My other favorite line is "So much for "Obama Love."
I'm In No Mood
Today is the tenth day since the bone marrow biopsy. That means today is the first possible day my test results can be back. It's a Friday, so I think that it's highly unlikely that I will get a call.
I'm not afraid. It will be what it will be. But I hate not knowing.
I'm not afraid. It will be what it will be. But I hate not knowing.
Joe & Huggy
Joe & Huggy are a radio team on WTKK. Their regular gig is Saturdays between 11 am and 1 pm. Joe is "The Guy From Boston". Huggy is a guy from Phili and a little more liberal than Joe and they play off each other well.
Tonight they were discussing Obama's trip and his address in Berlin. Someone called in to explain that it was an important and historic moment for America that a black man could possibly be President. Joe interupts the guy gushing on about Obama to ask "Excuse me Yan (sp?), are you a naturalized citizen?" The caller spoke very heavily accented English. He admitted that no, he was not. Joe followed up with "Well, no offense Yan.....but I really don't care what you think!"
ROFLMAO!!!!! Excellent! I don't care either.
That rocked! Keep it up baby.
Tonight they were discussing Obama's trip and his address in Berlin. Someone called in to explain that it was an important and historic moment for America that a black man could possibly be President. Joe interupts the guy gushing on about Obama to ask "Excuse me Yan (sp?), are you a naturalized citizen?" The caller spoke very heavily accented English. He admitted that no, he was not. Joe followed up with "Well, no offense Yan.....but I really don't care what you think!"
ROFLMAO!!!!! Excellent! I don't care either.
That rocked! Keep it up baby.
BeerGirl Brings It!
Resolve in the face of hardship
Go read it. You won't be sorry.
The Armorer mentioned it in this post and I was very happy I followed the link.
BZ BeerGirl!
Go read it. You won't be sorry.
The Armorer mentioned it in this post and I was very happy I followed the link.
BZ BeerGirl!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
I Am Techno-capped
*****UPDATE******07/25/08 @ 2010 The scoop on making a donation****
****UPDATE*****07/25/08 @ 0935 Barb can't get to me until tonight. I tried to just cut and paste it into a post (at least that way I am not messing with the sidebar), but Blogger wouldn't accept it. So we have to wait*******
When it comes to blogrolls and sidebar issues, I am on the Blogger short bus. The few things I have are thanks to Barb. I email and beg her to help me......I will owe her big time in Vegas. I have sent up the Bat Signal so I can once again be rescued.
There should be a PayPal button here soon so you can pop in and donate to the "Kendra Johnson Fund".
Meanwhile, remember you can still donate by going into any NFCU and telling them you want to make a deposit into the "Kendra Johnson Fund". You can also go into your own bank and ask them to help you wire a donation. The account number is 3014797462. NFCU routing # is 2560-7497-4. It can be done online, but again I will be no help with that!
You can also email kendrajohnsonfund@gmail.com
****UPDATE*****07/25/08 @ 0935 Barb can't get to me until tonight. I tried to just cut and paste it into a post (at least that way I am not messing with the sidebar), but Blogger wouldn't accept it. So we have to wait*******
When it comes to blogrolls and sidebar issues, I am on the Blogger short bus. The few things I have are thanks to Barb. I email and beg her to help me......I will owe her big time in Vegas. I have sent up the Bat Signal so I can once again be rescued.
There should be a PayPal button here soon so you can pop in and donate to the "Kendra Johnson Fund".
Meanwhile, remember you can still donate by going into any NFCU and telling them you want to make a deposit into the "Kendra Johnson Fund". You can also go into your own bank and ask them to help you wire a donation. The account number is 3014797462. NFCU routing # is 2560-7497-4. It can be done online, but again I will be no help with that!
You can also email kendrajohnsonfund@gmail.com
Compounding A Tragedy
*****UPDATE***** 07/25/08 @ 2010 The scoop on making a donation*****
We will never know the difference this could have made. According to the news story below Kendra Johnson's coworkers called the police on Thursday the 17th to report a possible problem. The police went to the residence but even though they could hear the children inside and no adult came to the door, they left a note and went away!
What? YGTBFKM! Maybe she hadn't been shot yet? Maybe she had been shot and quicker medical attention could have meant her injuries would not be so severe.
Jesus wept.
Husband Charged In Attempted Murder-Suicide
Police have arrested Jacob Johnson, husband to Kendra Johnson, whom he shot before turning the gun on himself. The 24 year-old is charged with Aggravated Malicious Wounding and Use of a Firearm during a felony.
Police charged Johnson Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. while he was in the hospital. He was also given a bond hearing at that time.
On Friday, July 18, 2008, at 8:38 a.m., Police and EMS responded to a call for two people who had been shot in a residence in the 3300 block of Springbreeze Court, in The Lakes section of Virginia Beach.
Officers found a female and male victim inside the house upon their arrival. The couples's two preschool children were located in a bedroom by a family member who had come to check on the welfare of the family after not hearing from them for several days. The children were not injured and are in the care of family members.
We're told as of 11:30 a.m. Thursday, 21 year-old Kendra Johnson is still in critical condition and on life support. Kendra's father tells News Channel 3 that his Navy daughter was Jacob's high school sweetheart. They were married right after graduating from Landstowne High School. Kendra graduated from Norfolk State and was working as a nurse at Norfolk Sentara.
According to father Dale Fuller, his daughters co-workers called police and told them she didn't show up for work on Wednesday. The family says Virginia Beach Police stopped by the home on Thursday, knocked on the door, heard the two children inside, but just left a notice on the door and went away.
Fuller thinks police should have went into the home when they heard the children simply because no adult came to the door. He says he's "highly disappointed" in the police department's response to the incident.
******************
Please pray for Kendra and her family and if you can make a donation to the Kendra Johnson Fund - details here.
We will never know the difference this could have made. According to the news story below Kendra Johnson's coworkers called the police on Thursday the 17th to report a possible problem. The police went to the residence but even though they could hear the children inside and no adult came to the door, they left a note and went away!
What? YGTBFKM! Maybe she hadn't been shot yet? Maybe she had been shot and quicker medical attention could have meant her injuries would not be so severe.
Jesus wept.
Husband Charged In Attempted Murder-Suicide
Police have arrested Jacob Johnson, husband to Kendra Johnson, whom he shot before turning the gun on himself. The 24 year-old is charged with Aggravated Malicious Wounding and Use of a Firearm during a felony.
Police charged Johnson Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. while he was in the hospital. He was also given a bond hearing at that time.
On Friday, July 18, 2008, at 8:38 a.m., Police and EMS responded to a call for two people who had been shot in a residence in the 3300 block of Springbreeze Court, in The Lakes section of Virginia Beach.
Officers found a female and male victim inside the house upon their arrival. The couples's two preschool children were located in a bedroom by a family member who had come to check on the welfare of the family after not hearing from them for several days. The children were not injured and are in the care of family members.
We're told as of 11:30 a.m. Thursday, 21 year-old Kendra Johnson is still in critical condition and on life support. Kendra's father tells News Channel 3 that his Navy daughter was Jacob's high school sweetheart. They were married right after graduating from Landstowne High School. Kendra graduated from Norfolk State and was working as a nurse at Norfolk Sentara.
According to father Dale Fuller, his daughters co-workers called police and told them she didn't show up for work on Wednesday. The family says Virginia Beach Police stopped by the home on Thursday, knocked on the door, heard the two children inside, but just left a notice on the door and went away.
Fuller thinks police should have went into the home when they heard the children simply because no adult came to the door. He says he's "highly disappointed" in the police department's response to the incident.
******************
Please pray for Kendra and her family and if you can make a donation to the Kendra Johnson Fund - details here.
Supporting a Friend I Haven't Met Yet
****UPDATE*****07/25/08 @ 2010 The scoop on making a donation
****UPDATE*****An update on the legal aspects of the case****
At the super secret Navy place where I can hang but not post, I have read and enjoyed and learned from Swosanity. Now, he needs a hand. His fellow Sailors and we in the extended Navy blogosphere want to step up and offer what help we can.
Police: Double-shooting may be 'domestic situation'
BY MIKE HOLTZCLAW
9:02 AM EDT, July 21, 2008
VIRGINIA BEACH - A double-shooting last week at a home in Virginia Beach could have stemmed from a "domestic situation" between the husband and wife who were seriously injured, police say.
Jacob and Kendra Johnson were found shot in their home on Springbreeze Court on Friday morning.
A relative had come to check on them after being unable to contact them for several days, and he found the two adults suffering from gunshot wounds and their two children - ages 2 and 4 - unharmed in a bedroom. Police spokesman Jimmy Barnes said detectives have not yet determined when the two people were shot.
Both gunshot victims are at Sentara VIrginia Beach General Hospital. A hospital spokesman said Jacob Johnson has been upgraded to serious condition, but Kendra Johnson remains in critical condition.
The children are in the care of a family member.
******************************
Swosanity is Kendra's father.
Kendra's injuries are very serious. She will be blind and paralyzed. There is a long road ahead for her and her family. Right now there are basically two things most of us can do to help - pray for Kendra and those who love her...........and donate money to help defray what will most certainly be enormous medical expenses.
Right now donations may be made through the Navy Federal Credit Union. You may go directly to a branch or wire money to the account. The savings account is named "Kendra Johnson Fund" and if you go in person you can make a deposit into the account by name. For wire transfers, the account number is 3014797462. NFCU routing # is 2560-7497-4.
There will be a way to donate via paypal soon and I will update this as soon as I have the info.
For now, give what you can. Remember the family in your prayers.
Thanks, I appreciate it.
****UPDATE*****An update on the legal aspects of the case****
At the super secret Navy place where I can hang but not post, I have read and enjoyed and learned from Swosanity. Now, he needs a hand. His fellow Sailors and we in the extended Navy blogosphere want to step up and offer what help we can.
Police: Double-shooting may be 'domestic situation'
BY MIKE HOLTZCLAW
9:02 AM EDT, July 21, 2008
VIRGINIA BEACH - A double-shooting last week at a home in Virginia Beach could have stemmed from a "domestic situation" between the husband and wife who were seriously injured, police say.
Jacob and Kendra Johnson were found shot in their home on Springbreeze Court on Friday morning.
A relative had come to check on them after being unable to contact them for several days, and he found the two adults suffering from gunshot wounds and their two children - ages 2 and 4 - unharmed in a bedroom. Police spokesman Jimmy Barnes said detectives have not yet determined when the two people were shot.
Both gunshot victims are at Sentara VIrginia Beach General Hospital. A hospital spokesman said Jacob Johnson has been upgraded to serious condition, but Kendra Johnson remains in critical condition.
The children are in the care of a family member.
******************************
Swosanity is Kendra's father.
Kendra's injuries are very serious. She will be blind and paralyzed. There is a long road ahead for her and her family. Right now there are basically two things most of us can do to help - pray for Kendra and those who love her...........and donate money to help defray what will most certainly be enormous medical expenses.
Right now donations may be made through the Navy Federal Credit Union. You may go directly to a branch or wire money to the account. The savings account is named "Kendra Johnson Fund" and if you go in person you can make a deposit into the account by name. For wire transfers, the account number is 3014797462. NFCU routing # is 2560-7497-4.
There will be a way to donate via paypal soon and I will update this as soon as I have the info.
For now, give what you can. Remember the family in your prayers.
Thanks, I appreciate it.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
My Life Is Not My Own
As I explained earlier, I was relieved that my father offered to tell Grace when they got back to the city.
That meant a short reprieve from being yelled at.
You think it's a bed of roses being me? No. Jennifer yelled at me. My boss has been telling me I *should* do this and I *should* do that. I knew Grace would be just as upset and critical.
Everyone seems to know what's best. Very few people are happy to just defer to my judgement in how *I* handle my own shit. I don't mean people out here. My fellow bloggers and my Navy coterie have been EXCELLENT. SB has been a rock.
So I left the front porch this morning and went to work confident that I had a day or two to prepare for the next round of yelling, finger pointing and questions.
I worked for a little bit.....and I mean a *little* bit. Then I went to get my hair colored. Then it was back to work for a while before I met my parents and Jen for dinner. No sooner did I get the cell phone onto the charger before walking back to the kitchen to get a drink.....than the girls were yelling that it was ringing.
I picked it up and looked.
Grace.
Shit.
I also saw a text from Jen, "I told Grace, she's calling you." I sent back "Wench!", she responded "Yes".
I called Grace. "Who is with you?" I told her I was in the office and that Bette and Nicole were in the room, Pat and Rachael were out front. She asked me to have Bette slap me because she was sure that Bette could slap me pretty hard.
Thanks Jen.
I got through the phone call and the rest of the afternoon and then it was back to the cottage. I said to my Dad "I thought you were taking care of Grace?" He explained "I was going to but Mummy (again, this slays me, we never called her Mummy and I am 47!) told Jennifer (he will not refer to her as Jen or allow us to either) to do it." He held his hands out, palms up to signify his powerlessness and innocence.
I explained to my mother that I liked it the way it was. She said too bad. I explained that Grace and Jen were angry with me and she asked why, it was my cancer and my decision. I said yes, except when you make the decisions..............she said "Yes".
I am exhausted.
That meant a short reprieve from being yelled at.
You think it's a bed of roses being me? No. Jennifer yelled at me. My boss has been telling me I *should* do this and I *should* do that. I knew Grace would be just as upset and critical.
Everyone seems to know what's best. Very few people are happy to just defer to my judgement in how *I* handle my own shit. I don't mean people out here. My fellow bloggers and my Navy coterie have been EXCELLENT. SB has been a rock.
So I left the front porch this morning and went to work confident that I had a day or two to prepare for the next round of yelling, finger pointing and questions.
I worked for a little bit.....and I mean a *little* bit. Then I went to get my hair colored. Then it was back to work for a while before I met my parents and Jen for dinner. No sooner did I get the cell phone onto the charger before walking back to the kitchen to get a drink.....than the girls were yelling that it was ringing.
I picked it up and looked.
Grace.
Shit.
I also saw a text from Jen, "I told Grace, she's calling you." I sent back "Wench!", she responded "Yes".
I called Grace. "Who is with you?" I told her I was in the office and that Bette and Nicole were in the room, Pat and Rachael were out front. She asked me to have Bette slap me because she was sure that Bette could slap me pretty hard.
Thanks Jen.
I got through the phone call and the rest of the afternoon and then it was back to the cottage. I said to my Dad "I thought you were taking care of Grace?" He explained "I was going to but Mummy (again, this slays me, we never called her Mummy and I am 47!) told Jennifer (he will not refer to her as Jen or allow us to either) to do it." He held his hands out, palms up to signify his powerlessness and innocence.
I explained to my mother that I liked it the way it was. She said too bad. I explained that Grace and Jen were angry with me and she asked why, it was my cancer and my decision. I said yes, except when you make the decisions..............she said "Yes".
I am exhausted.
Princess Crabby Self Medicates
So after SB told Jennifer last night and she scolded me for a half hour....complete with gestures (finger pointing and "talk to the hand")....she determined that my parents would be told sooner rather than later. I was advocating that we just keep this between us for the time being and when the bone marrow biopsy results were known next week. Jennifer shot that down as lethally and effectively as any Hellcat pilot in WWII.
My parents are still at the cottage, so up to the porch we went this morning. I got there first so I just made myself breakfast and hung out. My mother was relaxing on the porch and we were talking about nothing in particular. My father was doing prepacking. They are leaving Friday morning, so he is getting ready. There are plans and lists and decisions to be made, schedules to think of. He is extremely orderly. He is always trying to explain this stuff to me. My father is eternally hopeful that at some point I will see the light and become organized. HA!
Anyway, Jen shows and sits on the porch with my mother. I ask my father to come out to the porch so I can talk to him. I have a nervous smile that I can't squelch. Like I am going to tell him that we hit the number. I know it's inappropriate.....but I can't stop it. He smiles back and comes out to the porch. Jen and my mother are in the big easy chairs with thick cushions that Grace and I would fight over when we were kids. If our grandmother was there she got one of the two, no question......Grace and I would fight over the remaining one.
Anyway, my father smiles at me and says "Yes, yes?"
I look at Jennifer. She say "What? I have to tell them?" I can't even croke out the appropriate response of "No duh!" so I just nod. What the hell does she think I wanted her there for?
She starts talking and I want to run! LOL But I am also frozen.
Then it's over. It's all said. They have a few questions, but I can talk now. We are in the details and not the big picture. We are discussing the actual cancer and I am not afraid of the actual cancer. LOL, not at all. We discuss symptoms and staging and treatment options and alternative diagnoses that would explain the presence of Bence-Jones proteins in my urine. I am not longer frightened. I have a very "it is what it is" attitude about this part. I am on solid ground with this part. The nuns taught us to pray not to avoid death, but the pray for a happy and peaceful death. I am completely certain of the afterlife. I have no fear in that regard. None.
However, upsetting my parents................that is completely different. Had they cried in front of me I would have dissolved into a puddle.
They didn't. Whew! So I came into work and treated my stress.
I picked up some Coke, some M&Ms and mixed them appropriately. When you add M&Ms to the Coke and mix or stir the Coke becomes cloudy as the candy coating begins to dissolve. This is different than casually eating M&Ms while you sip Coke. It's sort of like mainlining.
It's all good now.
My parents have several hours to digest this news before we go to dinner tonight. My father has announced he will tell Grace - whew! and my brother Frankie.
After they leave on Friday morning, I will go back on Atkins and start up the gym again.
But for now......the sugar and caffeine feel really good coursing through my system.
My parents are still at the cottage, so up to the porch we went this morning. I got there first so I just made myself breakfast and hung out. My mother was relaxing on the porch and we were talking about nothing in particular. My father was doing prepacking. They are leaving Friday morning, so he is getting ready. There are plans and lists and decisions to be made, schedules to think of. He is extremely orderly. He is always trying to explain this stuff to me. My father is eternally hopeful that at some point I will see the light and become organized. HA!
Anyway, Jen shows and sits on the porch with my mother. I ask my father to come out to the porch so I can talk to him. I have a nervous smile that I can't squelch. Like I am going to tell him that we hit the number. I know it's inappropriate.....but I can't stop it. He smiles back and comes out to the porch. Jen and my mother are in the big easy chairs with thick cushions that Grace and I would fight over when we were kids. If our grandmother was there she got one of the two, no question......Grace and I would fight over the remaining one.
Anyway, my father smiles at me and says "Yes, yes?"
I look at Jennifer. She say "What? I have to tell them?" I can't even croke out the appropriate response of "No duh!" so I just nod. What the hell does she think I wanted her there for?
She starts talking and I want to run! LOL But I am also frozen.
Then it's over. It's all said. They have a few questions, but I can talk now. We are in the details and not the big picture. We are discussing the actual cancer and I am not afraid of the actual cancer. LOL, not at all. We discuss symptoms and staging and treatment options and alternative diagnoses that would explain the presence of Bence-Jones proteins in my urine. I am not longer frightened. I have a very "it is what it is" attitude about this part. I am on solid ground with this part. The nuns taught us to pray not to avoid death, but the pray for a happy and peaceful death. I am completely certain of the afterlife. I have no fear in that regard. None.
However, upsetting my parents................that is completely different. Had they cried in front of me I would have dissolved into a puddle.
They didn't. Whew! So I came into work and treated my stress.
I picked up some Coke, some M&Ms and mixed them appropriately. When you add M&Ms to the Coke and mix or stir the Coke becomes cloudy as the candy coating begins to dissolve. This is different than casually eating M&Ms while you sip Coke. It's sort of like mainlining.It's all good now.
My parents have several hours to digest this news before we go to dinner tonight. My father has announced he will tell Grace - whew! and my brother Frankie.
After they leave on Friday morning, I will go back on Atkins and start up the gym again.
But for now......the sugar and caffeine feel really good coursing through my system.
A Somewhat Serious Note
As most of you know if you come here on any kind of regular basis, blogging is an important outlet for me. It's a great place to blow off steam. I guess I hadn't realized how important it was until I couldn't do it.
I've been going through a little personal stress that I couldn't write about here.
One reason I couldn't write about it was that I hadn't told my family and I had to hold my tongue. Now you know how close I am to my parents and sisters and sons so that was hugely stressful too.
But now I can vent here because SB helped me tell my sister Jen, his BFF. Tomorrow morning we will tell my parents, they are still in the cottage and by the weekend I will tell Grace. (Deb & Gen - if you are here, zip your lips!)
About six weeks ago during a routine physical I was found to have some strange test results. Further testing has produced a preliminary diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. There is still further testing taking place to confirm the diagnosis and stage the disease.
Right now they are quite hopeful that my case is asymptomatic and we will just watch it. This is known as a smoldering case and half of all smoldering cases never go any further. However, there is the chance that it is Stage 1 and my doctor likes to go at these cases aggressively. I am relatively young (only 1/3 of MM cases are diagnosed in people under 65 and I am 47) and otherwise healthy. If he seeks treatment it will likely be a bone marrow harvest, followed by a round of chemo and then my pheresed bone marrow will be given back to me.
This changes some things and some things remain the same. Should you be lucky enough to see me, I will expect you to act no differently than any other time that the goddess of the Naval Blogging Strike Force graces you with her presence.
I am young and healthy. Boston is the center of the medical world as well as the hub of the universe. I will be fine.
I am relieved to be able to vent here. Boy did I want to come out here and whine about the bone marrow biopsy last Tuesday! I told the Armorer and SWWBO that I had never been on a farm, but I knew what it felt like to be kicked in the ass by a mule!
So I will still scream and yell about my Bad Boyfriend. I will still profess my adoration for Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch and the CNO and Admiral Keating. I will still try to help you all understand that Boston is the most important place on earth. But for a while I will actually be more self-absorbed than usual. I know, you didn't think that was possible....but it is.
I've been going through a little personal stress that I couldn't write about here.
One reason I couldn't write about it was that I hadn't told my family and I had to hold my tongue. Now you know how close I am to my parents and sisters and sons so that was hugely stressful too.
But now I can vent here because SB helped me tell my sister Jen, his BFF. Tomorrow morning we will tell my parents, they are still in the cottage and by the weekend I will tell Grace. (Deb & Gen - if you are here, zip your lips!)
About six weeks ago during a routine physical I was found to have some strange test results. Further testing has produced a preliminary diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. There is still further testing taking place to confirm the diagnosis and stage the disease.
Right now they are quite hopeful that my case is asymptomatic and we will just watch it. This is known as a smoldering case and half of all smoldering cases never go any further. However, there is the chance that it is Stage 1 and my doctor likes to go at these cases aggressively. I am relatively young (only 1/3 of MM cases are diagnosed in people under 65 and I am 47) and otherwise healthy. If he seeks treatment it will likely be a bone marrow harvest, followed by a round of chemo and then my pheresed bone marrow will be given back to me.
This changes some things and some things remain the same. Should you be lucky enough to see me, I will expect you to act no differently than any other time that the goddess of the Naval Blogging Strike Force graces you with her presence.
I am young and healthy. Boston is the center of the medical world as well as the hub of the universe. I will be fine.
I am relieved to be able to vent here. Boy did I want to come out here and whine about the bone marrow biopsy last Tuesday! I told the Armorer and SWWBO that I had never been on a farm, but I knew what it felt like to be kicked in the ass by a mule!
So I will still scream and yell about my Bad Boyfriend. I will still profess my adoration for Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch and the CNO and Admiral Keating. I will still try to help you all understand that Boston is the most important place on earth. But for a while I will actually be more self-absorbed than usual. I know, you didn't think that was possible....but it is.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Rudy Giuliani On CNN
Rudy Giuliani addresses Obama's trip, his "16 months", his statements on The Surge and "The Grey Lady" spreading her legs for Obama (sorry....was that coarse? Don't tell my Mum.)
Click here.
Click here.
Ecuador!
My ex-husband, John, had a strategy back in the days when we played Trivial Pursuit. If there was a geography question he didn't know the answer to.....he would just say "Ecuador!". He knew it was a possible answer and he figured.....eventually he'd be right. He had a similar strategy for Nightly News - Walter Cronkite and History - Winston Churchill.
So one night he gets a question to which he had no response.
John was pretty good at geography, so was I and our oldest son was phenomenal! Anyway, after answering lots of questions, he hits one he doesn't know. It's geography, he doesn't know and he trots out "Ecuador!". Son of a gun! He's right. We killed ourselves laughing.
What's my point?
I'm glad you asked.
"16 months!" is Barak Obama's "Ecuador!" He has been saying it since time out of mind. Now that we have slogged through all the shit of getting Iraq right. Now that the Surge has worked. Now people are saying "Ok, let's look at a drawdown. Yeah, maybe a year and half or so, maybe sooner."
LOL - you know what this means, right? Obama, his supporters, and the sycophants in the media get to say Obama was right all along!!!!
YGTBFSM!!!!
Obama.
Clock.
Stop.
Right.
Twice.
Day.
So one night he gets a question to which he had no response.
John was pretty good at geography, so was I and our oldest son was phenomenal! Anyway, after answering lots of questions, he hits one he doesn't know. It's geography, he doesn't know and he trots out "Ecuador!". Son of a gun! He's right. We killed ourselves laughing.What's my point?
I'm glad you asked.
"16 months!" is Barak Obama's "Ecuador!" He has been saying it since time out of mind. Now that we have slogged through all the shit of getting Iraq right. Now that the Surge has worked. Now people are saying "Ok, let's look at a drawdown. Yeah, maybe a year and half or so, maybe sooner."
LOL - you know what this means, right? Obama, his supporters, and the sycophants in the media get to say Obama was right all along!!!!
YGTBFSM!!!!
Obama.
Clock.
Stop.
Right.
Twice.
Day.
By any definition, Mac clear on Iraq
The Boston Herald has gleefully offered to run the Op-Ed the NYT declined.
By any definition, Mac clear on Iraq
By John McCain Tuesday, July 22, 2008 http://www.bostonherald.com Op-Ed
The following is the op-ed originally offered by Sen. John McCain to The New York Times [NYT]. The Times rejected it, demanding that, “The article would have to articulate, in concrete terms, how Sen. McCain defines victory in Iraq.” The Times published an op-ed on Iraq by Sen. Barack Obama on July 14. This piece has been edited slightly for space.
In January 2007, when Gen. David Petraeus took command in Iraq, he called the situation “hard” but not “hopeless.” Today, violence has fallen by up to 80 percent to the lowest levels in four years, and Sunni and Shiite terrorists are reeling. The situation is full of hope, but hard work remains to consolidate our fragile gains.
Progress has been due primarily to an increase in troops and a change in their strategy. I was an early advocate of the surge at a time when it had few supporters in Washington. Sen. Barack Obama was an equally vocal opponent. “I am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there,” he said on Jan. 10, 2007. “In fact, I think it will do the reverse.”
Now Sen. Obama has been forced to acknowledge that “our troops have performed brilliantly in lowering the level of violence.” But he still denies any political progress there.
Perhaps he is unaware that the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has recently certified that, as one news article put it, “Iraq has met all but three of 18 original benchmarks set by Congress last year to measure security, political and economic progress.” Even more heartening has been progress that’s not measured by benchmarks. More than 90,000 Iraqis, many of them Sunnis who once fought the government, have signed up as Sons of Iraq to fight against the terrorists. Nor do they measure Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki’s newfound willingness to crack down on Shiite extremists.
The success of the surge has not changed Sen. Obama’s determination to pull out all of our combat troops. All that has changed is his rationale. In a New York Times op-ed and speech, he offered his “plan for Iraq” in advance of his first “fact-finding” trip there in three years. It consisted of the same old proposal to pull all our troops out within 16 months. In 2007 he wanted to withdraw because he thought the war was lost. If we had taken his advice, it would have been.
Now he thinks Iraqis no longer need our help.
To make this point, he mangles the evidence. He makes it sound as if Maliki has endorsed the Obama timetable, when all he has said is that he would like a plan for the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops.
Sen. Obama is also misleading on the Iraqi military’s readiness. The Iraqi Army will be equipped and trained by the middle of next year, but this does not, as Sen. Obama suggests, mean that they will then be ready to secure their country without a good deal of help. The Iraqi Air Force, for one, still lags behind, and no modern army can operate without air cover. Iraqis are also still learning how to conduct planning, logistics, command and control and other complicated functions needed to support frontline troops.
No one favors a permanent U.S. presence, as Sen. Obama charges. A partial withdrawal has already occurred with the departure of five “surge” brigades, and more withdrawals can take place as the security situation improves. As we draw down in Iraq, we can beef up our presence on other battlefields, such as Afghanistan. I have said that I expect to welcome home most of our troops from Iraq by the end of my first term in office, in 2013.
But I have also said that any drawdowns must be based on a realistic assessment of conditions on the ground, not on an artificial timetable crafted for domestic political reasons. This is the crux of my disagreement with Sen. Obama.
He has said that he would consult our commanders on the ground and Iraqi leaders, but he did no such thing before releasing his “plan for Iraq.” During the course of eight visits to Iraq, I have heard many times from our troops what Major Gen. Jeffrey Hammond, commander of coalition forces in Baghdad, recently said: That leaving based on a timetable would be “very dangerous.”
The danger is that extremists supported by al-Qaeda and Iran could stage a comeback. I find it ironic that Sen. Obama is emulating the worst mistake of the Bush administration by waving the “Mission Accomplished” banner prematurely.
I am also dismayed that he never talks about winning the war - only of ending it. But if we don’t win the war, our enemies will. I will continue implementing a proven counterinsurgency strategy, not only in Iraq but also in Afghanistan, with the goal of creating self-sustaining democratic allies.
By any definition, Mac clear on Iraq
By John McCain Tuesday, July 22, 2008 http://www.bostonherald.com Op-Ed
The following is the op-ed originally offered by Sen. John McCain to The New York Times [NYT]. The Times rejected it, demanding that, “The article would have to articulate, in concrete terms, how Sen. McCain defines victory in Iraq.” The Times published an op-ed on Iraq by Sen. Barack Obama on July 14. This piece has been edited slightly for space.
In January 2007, when Gen. David Petraeus took command in Iraq, he called the situation “hard” but not “hopeless.” Today, violence has fallen by up to 80 percent to the lowest levels in four years, and Sunni and Shiite terrorists are reeling. The situation is full of hope, but hard work remains to consolidate our fragile gains.
Progress has been due primarily to an increase in troops and a change in their strategy. I was an early advocate of the surge at a time when it had few supporters in Washington. Sen. Barack Obama was an equally vocal opponent. “I am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there,” he said on Jan. 10, 2007. “In fact, I think it will do the reverse.”
Now Sen. Obama has been forced to acknowledge that “our troops have performed brilliantly in lowering the level of violence.” But he still denies any political progress there.
Perhaps he is unaware that the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has recently certified that, as one news article put it, “Iraq has met all but three of 18 original benchmarks set by Congress last year to measure security, political and economic progress.” Even more heartening has been progress that’s not measured by benchmarks. More than 90,000 Iraqis, many of them Sunnis who once fought the government, have signed up as Sons of Iraq to fight against the terrorists. Nor do they measure Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki’s newfound willingness to crack down on Shiite extremists.
The success of the surge has not changed Sen. Obama’s determination to pull out all of our combat troops. All that has changed is his rationale. In a New York Times op-ed and speech, he offered his “plan for Iraq” in advance of his first “fact-finding” trip there in three years. It consisted of the same old proposal to pull all our troops out within 16 months. In 2007 he wanted to withdraw because he thought the war was lost. If we had taken his advice, it would have been.
Now he thinks Iraqis no longer need our help.
To make this point, he mangles the evidence. He makes it sound as if Maliki has endorsed the Obama timetable, when all he has said is that he would like a plan for the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops.
Sen. Obama is also misleading on the Iraqi military’s readiness. The Iraqi Army will be equipped and trained by the middle of next year, but this does not, as Sen. Obama suggests, mean that they will then be ready to secure their country without a good deal of help. The Iraqi Air Force, for one, still lags behind, and no modern army can operate without air cover. Iraqis are also still learning how to conduct planning, logistics, command and control and other complicated functions needed to support frontline troops.
No one favors a permanent U.S. presence, as Sen. Obama charges. A partial withdrawal has already occurred with the departure of five “surge” brigades, and more withdrawals can take place as the security situation improves. As we draw down in Iraq, we can beef up our presence on other battlefields, such as Afghanistan. I have said that I expect to welcome home most of our troops from Iraq by the end of my first term in office, in 2013.
But I have also said that any drawdowns must be based on a realistic assessment of conditions on the ground, not on an artificial timetable crafted for domestic political reasons. This is the crux of my disagreement with Sen. Obama.
He has said that he would consult our commanders on the ground and Iraqi leaders, but he did no such thing before releasing his “plan for Iraq.” During the course of eight visits to Iraq, I have heard many times from our troops what Major Gen. Jeffrey Hammond, commander of coalition forces in Baghdad, recently said: That leaving based on a timetable would be “very dangerous.”
The danger is that extremists supported by al-Qaeda and Iran could stage a comeback. I find it ironic that Sen. Obama is emulating the worst mistake of the Bush administration by waving the “Mission Accomplished” banner prematurely.
I am also dismayed that he never talks about winning the war - only of ending it. But if we don’t win the war, our enemies will. I will continue implementing a proven counterinsurgency strategy, not only in Iraq but also in Afghanistan, with the goal of creating self-sustaining democratic allies.
All The News That's Fit To Print - As Long As We Agree With It
The New York Times, while always in the tank for liberals, Democrats, anti-war types, and snobs has finally given up all pretense of impartiality.
Obama submits an Op-Ed and it is published in it's entirety. Fine. He has stuff to say and better or worse America needs to hear it. You know, the plan Obama came up with for Iraq *before* he went to Iraq
Then they tell McCain to submit one. So far so good. Sounds fair, right?
But the Times rejected it.
From ABC's blog "Political Radar"
According to McCain campaign staffers, the rejection came Friday night from New York Times oped editorial page editor David Shipley via email:
"I'd be very eager to publish the Senator on the oped page. However I'm not going to be able to accept this piece as currently written," Shipley writes, according to a copy of the message provided to ABC News.
"It would be terrific to have an article from Sen. McCain that mirrors Sen. Obama's piece. To that end, the article would have to articulate, in concrete terms how Sen. McCain defines victory in Iraq. It would also have to lay out a clear plan for achieving victory -- with troop levels, timetables and measures for compelling the Iraqis to cooperate."
Excuse me!!!!!!! Why don't they just say "We love Obama and as soon as *you* love Obama too....we will publish your opinion."
Obama submits an Op-Ed and it is published in it's entirety. Fine. He has stuff to say and better or worse America needs to hear it. You know, the plan Obama came up with for Iraq *before* he went to Iraq
Then they tell McCain to submit one. So far so good. Sounds fair, right?
But the Times rejected it.
From ABC's blog "Political Radar"
According to McCain campaign staffers, the rejection came Friday night from New York Times oped editorial page editor David Shipley via email:
"I'd be very eager to publish the Senator on the oped page. However I'm not going to be able to accept this piece as currently written," Shipley writes, according to a copy of the message provided to ABC News.
"It would be terrific to have an article from Sen. McCain that mirrors Sen. Obama's piece. To that end, the article would have to articulate, in concrete terms how Sen. McCain defines victory in Iraq. It would also have to lay out a clear plan for achieving victory -- with troop levels, timetables and measures for compelling the Iraqis to cooperate."
Excuse me!!!!!!! Why don't they just say "We love Obama and as soon as *you* love Obama too....we will publish your opinion."
Monday, July 21, 2008
Just Another Example of Al Gore's Hypocrisy
It's silly to keep pointing it out. Gore makes repeated requests for sacrifice on the part of the American people as he jets around in private planes and motors around in gas guzzlers. Watching someone nail him on it amuses me to no end.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
I Have Reviewed The Post Below
And considering the amount of vodka I have consumed......I did pretty good!
FoxNews Sunday
You know I love it! I love the panel.
So it started at 1800 but so did the Red Sox. I was watching with my favorite Sailor. The first segment was Admiral Mullen. He was wearing the new khaki uniform, my father commented unfavorably on the shoulder boards. SB referred to Nimitz.
Doesn't matter, my Dad favors service dress blues. Anyway when Senator Evan Bayh came on, my father decided watching the Red Sox was a higher priority.
I popped down to Jennifer's to watch the rest of the show. After all that's where the Cold River vodka was anyway. Usually I watch the panel and shut it off. I'm glad I didn't this week. I would have missed this.
Honor Flight Network
You can watch Chris Wallace's interview with Earl Morse here.
I highly recommend it.
After you watch it, if you want to make a donation, you can do it via PayPal here.
So it started at 1800 but so did the Red Sox. I was watching with my favorite Sailor. The first segment was Admiral Mullen. He was wearing the new khaki uniform, my father commented unfavorably on the shoulder boards. SB referred to Nimitz.
Doesn't matter, my Dad favors service dress blues. Anyway when Senator Evan Bayh came on, my father decided watching the Red Sox was a higher priority.I popped down to Jennifer's to watch the rest of the show. After all that's where the Cold River vodka was anyway. Usually I watch the panel and shut it off. I'm glad I didn't this week. I would have missed this.
Honor Flight Network
You can watch Chris Wallace's interview with Earl Morse here.
I highly recommend it.
After you watch it, if you want to make a donation, you can do it via PayPal here.
It Was Perfect
My father made us poached eggs on toast after the requisite game of pretending he was busy and unwilling.
Grace, Deb, Gen & I went to the beach. It was too hot for Jen. The sun, the swimming, the reading........
It was perfect.
I left a few minutes early and snuck into's Jen's for a Cape Codder or two.
I am off in search of dinner.
Grace, Deb, Gen & I went to the beach. It was too hot for Jen. The sun, the swimming, the reading........
It was perfect.
I left a few minutes early and snuck into's Jen's for a Cape Codder or two.
I am off in search of dinner.
It's A Beach Day
As the Ogre once described the average summer day in New Orleans......it's hotter than the hinges on the gates of hell. OK, maybe not quite, but it is to this New Englander. It's 81 already and headed up.
Grace and my nieces have joined my parents at the cottage. So I am headed up. I am already in my bathing suit even though we will not head down to the beach for a few hours. The high tide is around one and in this heat I will not last long.
I should go to work or clean the house. But I will go to the cottage and hang. I should have spent more of my life hanging with parents. I am not the daughter I should have been. As far as Grace goes, I am not the sister I should have been. I am better with Jen. We won't discuss my brother Frank. But I am the aunt I always wanted to be. I am fun and generous and spontaneous and outrageous and excessive and interesting.
Last night after we picked up Gen at the train station, Debbie confessed to polishing off the cheez doodles. I told Grace to pull up to Stop&Shop. Gen and I went in. Gen had mentioned wanting a sundae and I knew there was only ice cream, so I got add-ons. Then I picked up danish for the morning. We got back to the car and Grace yelled "I thought you went in for a bag of cheez doodles!" I looked at her quizzically, then the overflowing shopping bag, then back to Grace. "We did, can't you see them sticking up?" She sighed. I make Grace sigh a lot. I make a lot of people sigh.
Life is short - go be a good (fill in the role that applies). Be funny and generous and spontaneous and outrageous and excessive. Make the serious people sigh.....they need the extra oxygen.
Grace and my nieces have joined my parents at the cottage. So I am headed up. I am already in my bathing suit even though we will not head down to the beach for a few hours. The high tide is around one and in this heat I will not last long.
I should go to work or clean the house. But I will go to the cottage and hang. I should have spent more of my life hanging with parents. I am not the daughter I should have been. As far as Grace goes, I am not the sister I should have been. I am better with Jen. We won't discuss my brother Frank. But I am the aunt I always wanted to be. I am fun and generous and spontaneous and outrageous and excessive and interesting.
Last night after we picked up Gen at the train station, Debbie confessed to polishing off the cheez doodles. I told Grace to pull up to Stop&Shop. Gen and I went in. Gen had mentioned wanting a sundae and I knew there was only ice cream, so I got add-ons. Then I picked up danish for the morning. We got back to the car and Grace yelled "I thought you went in for a bag of cheez doodles!" I looked at her quizzically, then the overflowing shopping bag, then back to Grace. "We did, can't you see them sticking up?" She sighed. I make Grace sigh a lot. I make a lot of people sigh.
Life is short - go be a good (fill in the role that applies). Be funny and generous and spontaneous and outrageous and excessive. Make the serious people sigh.....they need the extra oxygen.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
You Be My Fantasy...........
.......and I'll be yours!
I saw a certain flyboy in the ME in Sitemeter and I dashed off a quick note
"Getting ready for bed? Peeking at me means I'll be the last thing on your mind when you drift off............I like that!"
And so he replied.
"Probably in a half hour or so -- right now, it's shower time.
Even when the water heater craps out, the water's *hot*
...So, now you can think about me walking to the stall with a cammy towel, my soap dish and shampoo."
It's a deal!
I saw a certain flyboy in the ME in Sitemeter and I dashed off a quick note
"Getting ready for bed? Peeking at me means I'll be the last thing on your mind when you drift off............I like that!"
And so he replied.
"Probably in a half hour or so -- right now, it's shower time.
Even when the water heater craps out, the water's *hot*
...So, now you can think about me walking to the stall with a cammy towel, my soap dish and shampoo."
It's a deal!
Keeping An Eye On The IRGC
Galrahn keeps us up to speed.
Go read this.
5th Fleet Focus: IRGC Troublemaking with British, Australian Frigates
Go read this.
5th Fleet Focus: IRGC Troublemaking with British, Australian Frigates
If Bush Pardons Anyone.....
.... I hope it's Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean.
Blogs for their supporters are here and here.
The NYT reports that while there is a record number of petitions, few can expect clemency.
".....Mr. Bush has made little use of his clemency powers, granting just 44 pardons and two commutations. By comparison, over eight years in office President Ronald Reagan granted clemency 409 times and Mr. Clinton 459 times. More than half of Mr. Clinton’s grants came in his final three months."
Blogs for their supporters are here and here.
The NYT reports that while there is a record number of petitions, few can expect clemency.
".....Mr. Bush has made little use of his clemency powers, granting just 44 pardons and two commutations. By comparison, over eight years in office President Ronald Reagan granted clemency 409 times and Mr. Clinton 459 times. More than half of Mr. Clinton’s grants came in his final three months."
What's the Plural of Jackass?
Answer - the staff at the NYT
Bush, in a Shift, Accepts Concept of Iraq Timeline
Bush must feel like a Dad driving the rest of the nation on a cross country trip. "Are we there yet?" "Are we there yet?" "I have to go to the bathroom!" "Billy's touching me!" "Susie's looking at me!"
NYT - "Can we get a timeline?"
"W" - "When the situation is secure."
Dems - "Can we get a timeline?"
"W" - "When the commanders on the ground feel it's safe to do so."
NYT - "Can we get a timeline?"
"W" - "When we have made sufficient progress."
Dems - "Can we get a timeline?"
"W" - "When doing so won't endanger all the hard work we have done."
When? I don't know. When? When the time is right.
"W" - "The surge was a success. 15 of 18 benchmarks have been met or are being met. Things are rolling along. Let's start looking at drawdowns, etc."
NYT -
HOUSTON — President Bush agreed to “a general time horizon” for withdrawing American troops in Iraq, the White House announced Friday, in a concession that reflected both progress in stabilizing Iraq and the depth of political opposition to an open-ended military presence in Iraq and at home.
CONCESSION????? What. The. Fuck?
Bush, in a Shift, Accepts Concept of Iraq Timeline
Bush must feel like a Dad driving the rest of the nation on a cross country trip. "Are we there yet?" "Are we there yet?" "I have to go to the bathroom!" "Billy's touching me!" "Susie's looking at me!"
NYT - "Can we get a timeline?"
"W" - "When the situation is secure."
Dems - "Can we get a timeline?"
"W" - "When the commanders on the ground feel it's safe to do so."
NYT - "Can we get a timeline?"
"W" - "When we have made sufficient progress."
Dems - "Can we get a timeline?"
"W" - "When doing so won't endanger all the hard work we have done."
When? I don't know. When? When the time is right.
"W" - "The surge was a success. 15 of 18 benchmarks have been met or are being met. Things are rolling along. Let's start looking at drawdowns, etc."
NYT -
HOUSTON — President Bush agreed to “a general time horizon” for withdrawing American troops in Iraq, the White House announced Friday, in a concession that reflected both progress in stabilizing Iraq and the depth of political opposition to an open-ended military presence in Iraq and at home.
CONCESSION????? What. The. Fuck?
People Who Want To Bury Me In Books
So I have mentioned before that I am overwhelmed by my reading list. Still, it does nothing to stop me from buying new books or having people recommend/send new books.
Now I have a new problem. People who think they are important enough to have their book bumped to the top of the list.
Currently I am still reading "The Pentagon's New Map". I pick it up, I read it, it causes me to go get other things to read, I come back to it. I am listening to "The World is Flat", I am having a tough time with the narrator's voice. "The World is Flat" bumped "1776" which I was enjoying enormously but I felt that I needed "The World Is Flat" while I was reading "The Pentagon's New Map".
This did not stop me from buying and peeking at "Eating Soup With A Knife".
Last night Grace, Jen, Deb and I were on the porch of the cottage. It is my parent's time down here and Grace arrived last night. She was discussing her son's summer reading list. One of the books is "Guns, Germs and Steel". I exclaimed that I want to read that. Grace smiled. Apparently, someone had already thought of that. Greg thinks I should read it for him - note: no one is serious, Grace does not cheat, she does not allow her children to cheat. I replied that I'd be happy to if he could wait until I get to it in 2012.
Jennifer replied that blood should be able to cut the line.
Tomorrow I am going to the beach and I am only bringing Cosmo.
Friday, July 18, 2008
British Defence and Security Policy: The Maritime Contribution
Someone thinks I should read this.
British Defence and Security Policy: The Maritime Contribution
Don't they know how much stuff I have to read?
British Defence and Security Policy: The Maritime Contribution
Don't they know how much stuff I have to read?
Coincidence
I was over at the Castle, reading the H&I Fires. The Armorer sent us here. It's an amusing campaign website. Among other things, there is a joke in there about a man named Dirk Kempthorne. I've never heard of him. Mr. Kempthorne is the Secretary of the Interior.
Then I check my email and receive an invitation to a Bostonian Society event. Guess who one the guest speakers will be? LOL Dirk Kempthorne.
He's coming for the unveiling of the renovated tower. There is a blog about the renovations.
Life is funny.
Then I check my email and receive an invitation to a Bostonian Society event. Guess who one the guest speakers will be? LOL Dirk Kempthorne.
He's coming for the unveiling of the renovated tower. There is a blog about the renovations.
Life is funny.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Russell Brigade
The Russell Brigade is the new campaign website for Lt. Col. William Russell. Russell is running against John Murtha.
We should all do what we can to help defeat Murtha. As a bonus Russell is going to do a fabulous job representing the people of that district. Pennsylvania will be better for it. Russell is a good conservative and a patriot.
Go check out the website and spread the word.
We should all do what we can to help defeat Murtha. As a bonus Russell is going to do a fabulous job representing the people of that district. Pennsylvania will be better for it. Russell is a good conservative and a patriot.
Go check out the website and spread the word.
Ace of Spades - Humanitarian
Ace heard about all the trouble comedians are having with jokes about Obama and he is here to lend a hand.
So far, my favorite is from Bob
Q. What do Obama and Bin Laden have in common?
A. They both have friends who bombed the Pentagon.
Kat sent us over there. I wouldn't have seen it until much later, Ace is a late night indulgence for me.
So far, my favorite is from Bob
Q. What do Obama and Bin Laden have in common?
A. They both have friends who bombed the Pentagon.
Kat sent us over there. I wouldn't have seen it until much later, Ace is a late night indulgence for me.
Found in the Comments at the Castle
Ymarsakar left this link in a comment for Kat's post.
Let me put it in pictures for our progressive friends
The story of Obama, Resko and some uninhabitable housing in Chicago.
Ry wanted to know "Can we go a day without an Obama tear down, please?"
NO
Let me put it in pictures for our progressive friends
The story of Obama, Resko and some uninhabitable housing in Chicago.
Ry wanted to know "Can we go a day without an Obama tear down, please?"
NO
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Flight 93 Memorial Blogburst
“I hope I’ll see your face again baby…”
Thanks to Muslims Against Sharia for putting together a short video on the re-hijacking of Flight 93:
The voice at the beginning is flight attendant CeeCee Lyles.
CeeCee's family has really struggled without her. One of the many stories that clearly illustrate how much one life matters. (Serious tear-jerker warning.)
Check out The Strata-Sphere
Last week's blogburst asked those hero bloggers who forced the redesign of the crescent memorial back in 2005 to please notice that the giant Mecca-oriented crescent is still there.
Many thanks to AJ Strata for taking another look, and writing a long post on the fundamentally unchanged memorial. It looks like he might keep after this too, since he gives the memorial another mention amidst his debunking of recent claims that Obama's birth certificate scan shows signs of Photoshopping.
If you aren't familiar with The Strata-Sphere, it is second to none as a source for terror war news and analysis.
The Pennsylvania press reports our "who broke the circle?" email campaign, and covers up the Park Service's refusal to answer
Since the memorial design is still being described as a broken circle, and since the unbroken part of the circle (the crescent) remains completely unchanged, our email campaign demanded to know "WHO is being depicted as breaking the circle?"
It can only be the terrorists. The circle is a symbol of peace, and it was the terrorists who broke the peace on 9/11. So the design shows the terrorists breaking our peaceful circle and turning it into a giant Islamic shaped crescent. A clearer depiction of al Qaeda victory is hard to imagine.
The Memorial Project and the Park Service sent evasive replies to the hundred or so emails they received, never answering the question posed, but the fact that they issued a mass response made the email campaign news. How did the Pennsylvania press cover it? With a cover up.
Reporter Kecia Bal mentions our "who broke the circle?" subject line, but never reports the substance our letter: that the circle can only have been broken by the terrorists, who then succeed in turning it into a giant (Islamic shaped) crescent.
Instead, Kecia quotes an emailer admitting that "it was a cut-and-paste kind of thing," as if they might not even have understood the content, which remains a mystery to Kecia's readers. She does not even let her readers know that the official government response failed to answer the question.
Why is the local media covering this up? Because the entire Memorial Project, including both advisory boards, was appointed by the Somerset County Board of Supervisors. As a result, it is stacked with local eminences, all of whom are by now deeply implicated in the two and a half year cover up. Kecia thinks she is doing these local eminences a favor by trying to make this story go away, but she is not.
The further that architect Paul Murdoch's terrorist memorializing plot proceeds, the bigger the scandal. All of these local folks could still be heroes by stepping up and tackling the hijacker. Continuing to block for him instead is the worst thing they can do, not just for the country, but for themselves. We are trying to haul these people out of a burning building and they are tearing their fingernails out on the doorjambs. Crazy.
The August 2nd Memorial Project meeting
If you are within weekend traveling distance, please consider joining Tom Burnett Sr. in Somerset PA on August 2nd. If you get there early enough for the Memorial Project's public meeting (10AM-1PM) you can sign up to speak. We will rally in the afternoon on Saturday, and visit the crash-site Sunday.
To join our blogbursts, just send your blog's url.
Thanks to Muslims Against Sharia for putting together a short video on the re-hijacking of Flight 93:
The voice at the beginning is flight attendant CeeCee Lyles.
CeeCee's family has really struggled without her. One of the many stories that clearly illustrate how much one life matters. (Serious tear-jerker warning.)
Check out The Strata-Sphere
Last week's blogburst asked those hero bloggers who forced the redesign of the crescent memorial back in 2005 to please notice that the giant Mecca-oriented crescent is still there.
Many thanks to AJ Strata for taking another look, and writing a long post on the fundamentally unchanged memorial. It looks like he might keep after this too, since he gives the memorial another mention amidst his debunking of recent claims that Obama's birth certificate scan shows signs of Photoshopping.
If you aren't familiar with The Strata-Sphere, it is second to none as a source for terror war news and analysis.
The Pennsylvania press reports our "who broke the circle?" email campaign, and covers up the Park Service's refusal to answer
Since the memorial design is still being described as a broken circle, and since the unbroken part of the circle (the crescent) remains completely unchanged, our email campaign demanded to know "WHO is being depicted as breaking the circle?"
It can only be the terrorists. The circle is a symbol of peace, and it was the terrorists who broke the peace on 9/11. So the design shows the terrorists breaking our peaceful circle and turning it into a giant Islamic shaped crescent. A clearer depiction of al Qaeda victory is hard to imagine.
The Memorial Project and the Park Service sent evasive replies to the hundred or so emails they received, never answering the question posed, but the fact that they issued a mass response made the email campaign news. How did the Pennsylvania press cover it? With a cover up.
Reporter Kecia Bal mentions our "who broke the circle?" subject line, but never reports the substance our letter: that the circle can only have been broken by the terrorists, who then succeed in turning it into a giant (Islamic shaped) crescent.
Instead, Kecia quotes an emailer admitting that "it was a cut-and-paste kind of thing," as if they might not even have understood the content, which remains a mystery to Kecia's readers. She does not even let her readers know that the official government response failed to answer the question.
Why is the local media covering this up? Because the entire Memorial Project, including both advisory boards, was appointed by the Somerset County Board of Supervisors. As a result, it is stacked with local eminences, all of whom are by now deeply implicated in the two and a half year cover up. Kecia thinks she is doing these local eminences a favor by trying to make this story go away, but she is not.
The further that architect Paul Murdoch's terrorist memorializing plot proceeds, the bigger the scandal. All of these local folks could still be heroes by stepping up and tackling the hijacker. Continuing to block for him instead is the worst thing they can do, not just for the country, but for themselves. We are trying to haul these people out of a burning building and they are tearing their fingernails out on the doorjambs. Crazy.
The August 2nd Memorial Project meeting
If you are within weekend traveling distance, please consider joining Tom Burnett Sr. in Somerset PA on August 2nd. If you get there early enough for the Memorial Project's public meeting (10AM-1PM) you can sign up to speak. We will rally in the afternoon on Saturday, and visit the crash-site Sunday.
To join our blogbursts, just send your blog's url.
Leander school named after 'determined' local Marine
Lt. Matthew Vandegrift High School is scheduled to open in 2010.
By Bob Banta
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, July 04, 2008
He was a top student and an athlete who excelled at almost everything he tried. Now, Matthew Vandegrift, a 28-year-old Marine first lieutenant who died April 21 from combat wounds he suffered in Iraq, will have a high school named after him.
Read the rest here.
Now there is one small problem. Some anti-war people who can not distinquish between honoring a Marine and their crazy opposition to the war in Iraq are protesting.
From The Conservative Revolution.
A school district near Austin, TX wants to name a new high school there Vandegrift High School after a fallen Marine who graduated in 1999. He was killed in Iraq serving his country, and the local school board voted to name a new high school after him. This is a great gesture of appreciation. But unfortunately some lunatic leftists are protesting this decision. Please contact the Leander ISD to let them know you support their decision, despite what a vocal, anti-American minority of fringe activists think.
Call the school district at 512-434-5000. Fax a letter to them at 512-434-5398. Email them at: don.mccall@leanderisd.org, don.hisle@leanderisd.org, elizabeth.frey@leanderisd.org, grace.jordan@leanderisd.org, russell.bundy@leanderisd.org, will.streit@leanderisd.org, jim.sneeringer@leanderisd.org, Superintendent@leanderisd.org
The local school board is scheduled to discuss the matter again Thursday evening. The resolution originally passed unanimously. Please support this school board and encourage them to honor this fallen hero.
This story came to me in an email from ConcreteBob.
I love the irony of it. There was a process for naming the school. There was a public comment period. People who wanted to be involved were. The name was selected. Now whiny people with Bush Derangement Syndrome want special consideration. I'm guessing that in a conservative state like Texas enough of this family's supporters will turn out with their like minded neighbors. But just the fact that this deranged minority can get everyone's wheels spinning is so aggravating. People with lives and committments will put them aside to be at that meeting. Because that's what responsible people do. They will pass up on another meeting or family event or whatever just so some nitwit can try to re-re-re-redebate the war in Iraq.
By Bob Banta
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, July 04, 2008
He was a top student and an athlete who excelled at almost everything he tried. Now, Matthew Vandegrift, a 28-year-old Marine first lieutenant who died April 21 from combat wounds he suffered in Iraq, will have a high school named after him.
Read the rest here.
Now there is one small problem. Some anti-war people who can not distinquish between honoring a Marine and their crazy opposition to the war in Iraq are protesting.
From The Conservative Revolution.
A school district near Austin, TX wants to name a new high school there Vandegrift High School after a fallen Marine who graduated in 1999. He was killed in Iraq serving his country, and the local school board voted to name a new high school after him. This is a great gesture of appreciation. But unfortunately some lunatic leftists are protesting this decision. Please contact the Leander ISD to let them know you support their decision, despite what a vocal, anti-American minority of fringe activists think.
Call the school district at 512-434-5000. Fax a letter to them at 512-434-5398. Email them at: don.mccall@leanderisd.org, don.hisle@leanderisd.org, elizabeth.frey@leanderisd.org, grace.jordan@leanderisd.org, russell.bundy@leanderisd.org, will.streit@leanderisd.org, jim.sneeringer@leanderisd.org, Superintendent@leanderisd.org
The local school board is scheduled to discuss the matter again Thursday evening. The resolution originally passed unanimously. Please support this school board and encourage them to honor this fallen hero.
This story came to me in an email from ConcreteBob.
I love the irony of it. There was a process for naming the school. There was a public comment period. People who wanted to be involved were. The name was selected. Now whiny people with Bush Derangement Syndrome want special consideration. I'm guessing that in a conservative state like Texas enough of this family's supporters will turn out with their like minded neighbors. But just the fact that this deranged minority can get everyone's wheels spinning is so aggravating. People with lives and committments will put them aside to be at that meeting. Because that's what responsible people do. They will pass up on another meeting or family event or whatever just so some nitwit can try to re-re-re-redebate the war in Iraq.
UncleJ Helps Out Obama's Foreign Policy Advisors
Obama's people don't get why the Surge worked.......so UncleJ 'splains it.
One word of warning though. Before you click on to watch please know that UncleJ explains the weather conditions in Madison in an extremely colorful way. Being a city girl, I had to play it twice to figure out just what the hell he said.
One word of warning though. Before you click on to watch please know that UncleJ explains the weather conditions in Madison in an extremely colorful way. Being a city girl, I had to play it twice to figure out just what the hell he said.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Obama's Response to 9/11 - Peter Kirsanow
From The Corner at National Review Online
Monday, July 14, 2008
Obama's Response to 9/11 [Peter Kirsanow]
Throughout history, attacks by implacable foes have prompted somewhat consistent reactions:
Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival. Winston Churchill.
We, too, born to freedom, and believing in freedom, are willing to fight to maintain freedom. We, and all those who believe as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than live on our knees. Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
We're going to hold them by the nose and we're going to kick them in the ass. George S. Patton.
In war, there is no substitute for victory. Douglas MacArthur.
Then there's Barack Obama’s response to 9/11 published a week later in the Hyde Park Herald (as noted in Ryan Lizza’s piece in The New Yorker.)
Even as I hope for some measure of peace and comfort to the bereaved families, I must also hope that we, as a nation, draw some measure of wisdom from this tragedy. Certain immediate lessons are clear, and we must act upon those lessons decisively. We need to step up security at our airports. We must re-examine the effectiveness of our intelligence networks and we must be resolute in identifying the perpetrators of these heinous acts and dismantling their organizations of destruction. We must also engage, however, in the more difficult task of understanding the sources of such madness. The essence of this tragedy, it seems to me, derives from a fundamental absence of empathy on the part of the attackers: an inability to imagine, or connect with, the humanity or suffering of others. Such a failure of empathy, such numbness to the pain of a child or the desperation of a parent is not innate; nor, history tells us, is it unique to a particular culture, religion or ethnicity. It may find expression in a particular brand of violence, it may be channeled by particular demagogues or fanatics. Most often, though, it grows out a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair.
We will have to make sure, despite our rage, that any U.S. military action takes into account the lives of innocent civilians abroad. We will have to be unwavering in opposing bigotry or discrimination directed against neighbors and friends of Middle-Eastern descent. Finally, we will have to devote far more attention to the monumental task of raising the hopes and prospects of embittered children across the globe—children not just in the Middle East, but also in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and within our own shores.
It's hard to visualize Obama on a horse at Stirling. But hey, Churchill, Patton MacArthur and Roosevelt couldn't lower the oceans or heal the planet.
07/14 06:13 PM
Monday, July 14, 2008
Obama's Response to 9/11 [Peter Kirsanow]
Throughout history, attacks by implacable foes have prompted somewhat consistent reactions:
Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival. Winston Churchill.
We, too, born to freedom, and believing in freedom, are willing to fight to maintain freedom. We, and all those who believe as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than live on our knees. Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
We're going to hold them by the nose and we're going to kick them in the ass. George S. Patton.
In war, there is no substitute for victory. Douglas MacArthur.
Then there's Barack Obama’s response to 9/11 published a week later in the Hyde Park Herald (as noted in Ryan Lizza’s piece in The New Yorker.)
Even as I hope for some measure of peace and comfort to the bereaved families, I must also hope that we, as a nation, draw some measure of wisdom from this tragedy. Certain immediate lessons are clear, and we must act upon those lessons decisively. We need to step up security at our airports. We must re-examine the effectiveness of our intelligence networks and we must be resolute in identifying the perpetrators of these heinous acts and dismantling their organizations of destruction. We must also engage, however, in the more difficult task of understanding the sources of such madness. The essence of this tragedy, it seems to me, derives from a fundamental absence of empathy on the part of the attackers: an inability to imagine, or connect with, the humanity or suffering of others. Such a failure of empathy, such numbness to the pain of a child or the desperation of a parent is not innate; nor, history tells us, is it unique to a particular culture, religion or ethnicity. It may find expression in a particular brand of violence, it may be channeled by particular demagogues or fanatics. Most often, though, it grows out a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair.
We will have to make sure, despite our rage, that any U.S. military action takes into account the lives of innocent civilians abroad. We will have to be unwavering in opposing bigotry or discrimination directed against neighbors and friends of Middle-Eastern descent. Finally, we will have to devote far more attention to the monumental task of raising the hopes and prospects of embittered children across the globe—children not just in the Middle East, but also in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and within our own shores.
It's hard to visualize Obama on a horse at Stirling. But hey, Churchill, Patton MacArthur and Roosevelt couldn't lower the oceans or heal the planet.
07/14 06:13 PM
New Yorker Magazine
Nope, I didn't photo shop it. It's the real cover for this week.
Hehehe! Go read about the hubub over at Politico. The author of the article in the New Yorker was interviewed on NPR's Fresh Air today and it was very interesting. Audio can be found here.
Hehehe! Go read about the hubub over at Politico. The author of the article in the New Yorker was interviewed on NPR's Fresh Air today and it was very interesting. Audio can be found here.
LTG Caldwell Remembers Tony Snow
From Small Wars Journal
h/t my friend Jack
Remembering Tony Snow
Yesterday our Nation lost one of our finest leaders, Tony Snow, who passed away at age 53 after a long struggle with cancer. Tony was a man who was deeply committed to his faith, family, and to his fellow man. Tony also passionately supported our men and women serving in uniform and was deeply moved anytime he had the opportunity to speak with them and hear the stories of their bravery and sacrifice.
I had the honor of communicating with Tony on a weekly basis while I was assigned to the Multi-National Force-Iraq (MNF-I) as the chief spokesman. During this extraordinarily challenging period of time Tony continually provided me, and everyone else, with a renewed sense of pride in our mission. As a personal friend and mentor, he was an adamant supporter of our efforts to communicate all that was being accomplished by the Coalition Force and the Iraqi people during a very tumultuous period in our Nation’s history. Even though his own health was failing, he provided us in Iraq with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm every time we spoke.
Read the rest here
h/t my friend Jack
Remembering Tony Snow
Yesterday our Nation lost one of our finest leaders, Tony Snow, who passed away at age 53 after a long struggle with cancer. Tony was a man who was deeply committed to his faith, family, and to his fellow man. Tony also passionately supported our men and women serving in uniform and was deeply moved anytime he had the opportunity to speak with them and hear the stories of their bravery and sacrifice.
I had the honor of communicating with Tony on a weekly basis while I was assigned to the Multi-National Force-Iraq (MNF-I) as the chief spokesman. During this extraordinarily challenging period of time Tony continually provided me, and everyone else, with a renewed sense of pride in our mission. As a personal friend and mentor, he was an adamant supporter of our efforts to communicate all that was being accomplished by the Coalition Force and the Iraqi people during a very tumultuous period in our Nation’s history. Even though his own health was failing, he provided us in Iraq with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm every time we spoke.
Read the rest here
Sunday, July 13, 2008
How To Crash A Wedding
First, it's easier if the bride and groom say "Please crash our wedding." That way you have all the details. Otherwise, you have to find out all that stuff on your own.
I was lucky. Last Saturday night....at the last party I crashed....I met Major Milstein and his lovely fiance Debra. We all enjoyed hearing about their upcoming wedding that was to be held at the New England Aquarium. Debra graciously mentioned that not everyone invited was able to make it, so I was welcome to crash (people really shouldn't encourage me).
Major Milstein's planned military arch was thwarted by the needs of the Corps. I offered to make a few calls. Turns out that there aren't that many Marines available in Boston. So I wasn't able to help with that.
However, I found that I was free for the earlier part of this evening and thought......what the heck!
It was a perfect evening for a ceremony, low to mid 70s, a lovely breeze, just right to enjoy Boston Harbor.
I was a little worried about Cape traffic so my father offered his car. That was a relief. The Saturn doesn this funny thing when the engine runs too hot and the transmission start to have a problem shifting. Since I had the Buick, I made it and I made it on time.
I'm bad at estimating crowds, but I'll guess there were maybe just under 80 people? I took a spot at the back, got a glass of ice water and settled in.
This was my first Jewish wedding and so it was doubly interesting. There was a Chuppah. I didn't realize that the groom keeps the cloth and wears it to services and on holy days. Major Milstein and his family were very close to the Rabbi who performed the ceremony and it was wonderfully personal. The Rabbi tied in several points from the ceremony with the Major's childhood, his family, his commitment to Debra, Israel and history. He discussed the Ketubah and how it is the oldest legal document in continuous use in the world today.
The most moving part was when Debra turned to Seth and said "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine". What a handsome couple they made! He was wearing his Marine uniform and she had on a traditional white dress with a striking red bow in the back.
I really appreciated the last blessing during which the Rabbi talked about always keeping in mind that we should pray for a strong Jerusalem and remember to keep Jerusalem and Isreal in our thoughts even on happy occassions.
After the ceremony I approached the maid of honor while she rested her feet in their fashionable but uncomfortable shoes. I introduced myself.........."Hi, I'm Maggie, the wedding crasher." They were very gracious and filled me in on things and invited me to crash their wedding next weekend. And you know.....I would seriously consider it if it weren't happening in Philadelphia! they were fun and their wedding is a costume wedding. The bride will be wearing a Victorian day gown and the groom will be wearing a space suit. That's going to be a fun wedding.
I met the maid of honor's mother and the bride's stepfather.
The food was plentiful and I loved the polenta cakes.
Finally I got my chance to congratulate the bride and groom and thank them for their hospitality.
Alas, my coach was turning into a pumpkin. My father's car had a time limit. So I was off after that.
Debra and Seth, I wish you every good thing. You make a lovely couple. Thank you for an enjoyable and interesting evening.
I was lucky. Last Saturday night....at the last party I crashed....I met Major Milstein and his lovely fiance Debra. We all enjoyed hearing about their upcoming wedding that was to be held at the New England Aquarium. Debra graciously mentioned that not everyone invited was able to make it, so I was welcome to crash (people really shouldn't encourage me).
Major Milstein's planned military arch was thwarted by the needs of the Corps. I offered to make a few calls. Turns out that there aren't that many Marines available in Boston. So I wasn't able to help with that.
However, I found that I was free for the earlier part of this evening and thought......what the heck!
It was a perfect evening for a ceremony, low to mid 70s, a lovely breeze, just right to enjoy Boston Harbor.
I was a little worried about Cape traffic so my father offered his car. That was a relief. The Saturn doesn this funny thing when the engine runs too hot and the transmission start to have a problem shifting. Since I had the Buick, I made it and I made it on time.
I'm bad at estimating crowds, but I'll guess there were maybe just under 80 people? I took a spot at the back, got a glass of ice water and settled in.
This was my first Jewish wedding and so it was doubly interesting. There was a Chuppah. I didn't realize that the groom keeps the cloth and wears it to services and on holy days. Major Milstein and his family were very close to the Rabbi who performed the ceremony and it was wonderfully personal. The Rabbi tied in several points from the ceremony with the Major's childhood, his family, his commitment to Debra, Israel and history. He discussed the Ketubah and how it is the oldest legal document in continuous use in the world today.
The most moving part was when Debra turned to Seth and said "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine". What a handsome couple they made! He was wearing his Marine uniform and she had on a traditional white dress with a striking red bow in the back.
I really appreciated the last blessing during which the Rabbi talked about always keeping in mind that we should pray for a strong Jerusalem and remember to keep Jerusalem and Isreal in our thoughts even on happy occassions.
After the ceremony I approached the maid of honor while she rested her feet in their fashionable but uncomfortable shoes. I introduced myself.........."Hi, I'm Maggie, the wedding crasher." They were very gracious and filled me in on things and invited me to crash their wedding next weekend. And you know.....I would seriously consider it if it weren't happening in Philadelphia! they were fun and their wedding is a costume wedding. The bride will be wearing a Victorian day gown and the groom will be wearing a space suit. That's going to be a fun wedding.
I met the maid of honor's mother and the bride's stepfather.
The food was plentiful and I loved the polenta cakes.
Finally I got my chance to congratulate the bride and groom and thank them for their hospitality.
Alas, my coach was turning into a pumpkin. My father's car had a time limit. So I was off after that.
Debra and Seth, I wish you every good thing. You make a lovely couple. Thank you for an enjoyable and interesting evening.
Off To Crash a Wedding
Although I don't think it's technically crashing if the bride says "Please crash my wedding."
Details later.
Details later.
It Was Delicious!
Tom dropped my lounge chair down at the top of the ramp for me. It was too heavy to carry. 
I bought it two summers ago and this is the first time I've sat in it. I am not saying that I work too much or anything, but I used to live on the beach. I was even lifeguard for a few summers and I need to do this more. After all, one of the reasons I work so hard is to afford to live on the ocean. It's really rather silly not to go enjoy it once in a while.
It was 75 with a few clouds when I got there. I had picked up a buttered bagel and a cup of tea at Dunkin donuts before heading down. I enjoyed my breakfast and the view and the breeze and the water lapping at my feet. I read more of "The Pentagon's New Map". I love this book even if I have to put it down intermittantly and come back to it. Everyone should read it. It articulates my view on the world perfectly.
My voice mail says "It's Sunday the 13th. I am doing absolutely nothing. And I am enjoying it immensely!"
The water temperature was probably 60 degrees and so refreshing. I read and swam and ate and sunned myself and talked to some neighbors. I
floated and admired my fabulous pedicure. "I'm Not Really a Waitress" reflects the sun perfectly. I called and harrassed the Fishmugger who turned the tables on me and needled me about my Bad Boyfriend.
All in all, a great morning.
I bought it two summers ago and this is the first time I've sat in it. I am not saying that I work too much or anything, but I used to live on the beach. I was even lifeguard for a few summers and I need to do this more. After all, one of the reasons I work so hard is to afford to live on the ocean. It's really rather silly not to go enjoy it once in a while.
It was 75 with a few clouds when I got there. I had picked up a buttered bagel and a cup of tea at Dunkin donuts before heading down. I enjoyed my breakfast and the view and the breeze and the water lapping at my feet. I read more of "The Pentagon's New Map". I love this book even if I have to put it down intermittantly and come back to it. Everyone should read it. It articulates my view on the world perfectly.
My voice mail says "It's Sunday the 13th. I am doing absolutely nothing. And I am enjoying it immensely!"The water temperature was probably 60 degrees and so refreshing. I read and swam and ate and sunned myself and talked to some neighbors. I
floated and admired my fabulous pedicure. "I'm Not Really a Waitress" reflects the sun perfectly. I called and harrassed the Fishmugger who turned the tables on me and needled me about my Bad Boyfriend.All in all, a great morning.
I Should.......
I should go to Mass......I could make the 11 in plenty of time.
I should go to work.....I took Friday off and I'll likely be out for a good chunk of this week.
I should clean this house.....I live with four boys, do I need to elaborate?
I should straighten out some personal paperwork.
However........
I am going to the beach. The tide is high at 8:30 and my beach has a very high tide, or a flushing tide as we have jokingly called it. It's really only worth hanging there for two hours before and after high tide if swimming and sunning is your goal.
I should do a lot of things, but I'm going to go to the beach. First I am going to stop and the cottage and tell my Dad that the man in "The Postman Always Rings Twice" was Cecil Kelleway. We caught the end in between all the Tony Snow coverage on Fox. My father and I are movie buffs and we had everyone's name except Cecil's. It was driving us crazy.
Life is short kids. Princess Crabby says if there is a beach or some similar diversion near you this morning........go.
I should go to work.....I took Friday off and I'll likely be out for a good chunk of this week.
I should clean this house.....I live with four boys, do I need to elaborate?
I should straighten out some personal paperwork.
However........
I am going to the beach. The tide is high at 8:30 and my beach has a very high tide, or a flushing tide as we have jokingly called it. It's really only worth hanging there for two hours before and after high tide if swimming and sunning is your goal.
I should do a lot of things, but I'm going to go to the beach. First I am going to stop and the cottage and tell my Dad that the man in "The Postman Always Rings Twice" was Cecil Kelleway. We caught the end in between all the Tony Snow coverage on Fox. My father and I are movie buffs and we had everyone's name except Cecil's. It was driving us crazy.
Life is short kids. Princess Crabby says if there is a beach or some similar diversion near you this morning........go.
My Parents Are Down At The Cottage
So Jen and I spent most of the day with them. Jen lives 400 feet east of me, the cottage is 400 feet in the other direction. The cottage is where we spent all our childhood summers and why we live here instead of Charlestown. That and the fact that houses in Charlestown average a half million. LOL!
I slept so well last night that I was awake without an alarm before 8 am. I did laundry and answered email. All the while I was texting Jen to wake up for breakfast. Then it dawned on me that my parents being such early morning people might not wait for breakfast. There is no phone at the cottage but luckily for me, Elaine & Beth were walking by. I opened the door and asked if they were going by the cottage and could they pass along a message. Then I jumped in the shower.
I was sitting on the porch when I finally reached Jen. I asked if she was ready for breakfast when she said no and we had no car anyway. She had loaned hers to a friend and I still had no key to mine. I told her we had our parents and their car. "Oh", she said, "I'll get up." Nice! When she thought it was just me, she was ignoring my texts, but it was my parents so she got up! Humph!
Breakfast was great. We went to our favorite place at Ellis Haven. One of the waitresses looks like our father's mother did when we were little. By the end of breakfast our father had to admit it was true. Our mother made fun of us for cleaning our own table and stacking the dishes. But we eat there a lot and we want them to be happy to see us.
We ran a few quick errands before dropping our parents back at the cottage. Then we took our father's car to get a new key for my car. That was a lot of laughs too. First, the service guys at Raynham Saturn were friendly and funny. Then some random woman went into the customer waiting area......scrunched down between the far end of the couch and wall.....and changed her clothes. We all had a good laugh over that. And finally they generously offer to waive the programming fee for the new remote car lock (it was worn down long ago, the car is 11 years old). Well that's great! The kid comes around the counter with the programmer and the opener. But guess what you need? My car. Where's my car? In front of my house. Jen just shakes her head. "Only you", she says.
Next we were back to the cottage to pick up our mother. We had manicures scheduled. mmmmmm After my mother's manicure, I zipped her back to the cottage, then Jen & I stayed for pedicures........even better!
Finally we picked up takeout at Lobster Hut for dinner. The Plymouth waterfront was a zoo. But their food is worth it.
After dinner everyone headed out to the porch. I cleaned the table, wrapped the leftovers, washed the dishes, counter and table. I thought of all the times in my childhood I had to be reminded, cajoled, ordered and threatened to do such simple things.
I wish I was the daughter then that I am now. A grateful one.
I slept so well last night that I was awake without an alarm before 8 am. I did laundry and answered email. All the while I was texting Jen to wake up for breakfast. Then it dawned on me that my parents being such early morning people might not wait for breakfast. There is no phone at the cottage but luckily for me, Elaine & Beth were walking by. I opened the door and asked if they were going by the cottage and could they pass along a message. Then I jumped in the shower.
I was sitting on the porch when I finally reached Jen. I asked if she was ready for breakfast when she said no and we had no car anyway. She had loaned hers to a friend and I still had no key to mine. I told her we had our parents and their car. "Oh", she said, "I'll get up." Nice! When she thought it was just me, she was ignoring my texts, but it was my parents so she got up! Humph!
Breakfast was great. We went to our favorite place at Ellis Haven. One of the waitresses looks like our father's mother did when we were little. By the end of breakfast our father had to admit it was true. Our mother made fun of us for cleaning our own table and stacking the dishes. But we eat there a lot and we want them to be happy to see us.
We ran a few quick errands before dropping our parents back at the cottage. Then we took our father's car to get a new key for my car. That was a lot of laughs too. First, the service guys at Raynham Saturn were friendly and funny. Then some random woman went into the customer waiting area......scrunched down between the far end of the couch and wall.....and changed her clothes. We all had a good laugh over that. And finally they generously offer to waive the programming fee for the new remote car lock (it was worn down long ago, the car is 11 years old). Well that's great! The kid comes around the counter with the programmer and the opener. But guess what you need? My car. Where's my car? In front of my house. Jen just shakes her head. "Only you", she says.
Next we were back to the cottage to pick up our mother. We had manicures scheduled. mmmmmm After my mother's manicure, I zipped her back to the cottage, then Jen & I stayed for pedicures........even better!
Finally we picked up takeout at Lobster Hut for dinner. The Plymouth waterfront was a zoo. But their food is worth it.
After dinner everyone headed out to the porch. I cleaned the table, wrapped the leftovers, washed the dishes, counter and table. I thought of all the times in my childhood I had to be reminded, cajoled, ordered and threatened to do such simple things.
I wish I was the daughter then that I am now. A grateful one.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
My Friday
As I mentioned here, Friday was the colonoscopy - yuck - but everything went as expected. It was routine and there were no surprises. We go because of a family member who had a more serious condition. Anyway, we all go to the same doctor and he's at MGH. So the plan was that Jen would drop me on Thursday evening - my father would take me over in the morning - I'd sleep over one more night. I would come back with them since Saturday morning was their time to come down to the cottage anyway. I was in no rush, last time all I did was sleep for 24 after the procedure. What did it matter where I slept?
However my reaction was different this time. I was much less sleepy. So I checked the commuter rail schedule and planned to come home on Friday evening. I was going to call a friend to take me over to South Station when suddenly my mother announced we would leave for the cottage then - at 4 pm on a Friday afternoon. I tried to talk her out of it, but her mind was made up. My father grumbled for a moment. The disruption of the schedule. He's big on plans, timetables and schedules.
We were on the road within 40 minutes and it was my childhood relived. Driving down the Expressway at rush hour on our way to the cottage on a Friday in July. My parents in the front seat. The car packed with our stuff. My father had some easy-listening station on that played some songs from the 70s. The picture was complete.
My parents are very good to me.
However my reaction was different this time. I was much less sleepy. So I checked the commuter rail schedule and planned to come home on Friday evening. I was going to call a friend to take me over to South Station when suddenly my mother announced we would leave for the cottage then - at 4 pm on a Friday afternoon. I tried to talk her out of it, but her mind was made up. My father grumbled for a moment. The disruption of the schedule. He's big on plans, timetables and schedules.
We were on the road within 40 minutes and it was my childhood relived. Driving down the Expressway at rush hour on our way to the cottage on a Friday in July. My parents in the front seat. The car packed with our stuff. My father had some easy-listening station on that played some songs from the 70s. The picture was complete.
My parents are very good to me.
Tony Snow
Jen & I are devastated. We watched Fox for a few hours tonight. It was like attending a wake.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Happy Birthday to Princess Crabby's Grand Vizier!
Today is Sgt.B's birthday and while I can't see him and give him his birthday kisses in person....he knows I'm thinking of him.
Go over to the Castle and leave a present.
Go over to the Castle and leave a present.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
MICHAEL O. LEAVITT
Mr. Leavitt knows just enough to get it all wrong.
Mr. Leavitt's opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal is extremely one-sided and misleading. The comments make for better reading.
Will Congress Continue a Medicare Scam?
It's like anything else. Someone comes along and wants to tinker with the system and all they will do is fuck it up. If Mr. Leavitt gets his way and competetive bidding becomes a reality, it will be a mess. More Medicare oxygen patients will end up in the hospital and for longer stays. The quality of the equipment and the service will naturally fall off. Suppliers will have to make cuts somewhere.
Kat at the Castle of Argghhh! has a fabulous rebuttal.
The Department of Disingenuity and the Real Medicare Scam
She covers everything except for the invaluable service I perform, but I added that to her comments.
Mr. Leavitt's opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal is extremely one-sided and misleading. The comments make for better reading.
Will Congress Continue a Medicare Scam?
It's like anything else. Someone comes along and wants to tinker with the system and all they will do is fuck it up. If Mr. Leavitt gets his way and competetive bidding becomes a reality, it will be a mess. More Medicare oxygen patients will end up in the hospital and for longer stays. The quality of the equipment and the service will naturally fall off. Suppliers will have to make cuts somewhere.
Kat at the Castle of Argghhh! has a fabulous rebuttal.
The Department of Disingenuity and the Real Medicare Scam
She covers everything except for the invaluable service I perform, but I added that to her comments.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
OK, I Have To Go To Bed
I'm wiped! I just got in from the stupid gym. Five stupid minutes on the stupid Stairmaster.
I haven't eaten a thing all day. I'm starving.
Friday at 0800 I have a stupid colonoscopy. I know - gross. I am trying to make it easier on myself by stopping solid food 48 hours ahead instead of 24. The last time was suffering enough.
So I am here checking email when my stupid oldest son, Tom comes in.
He reeks of Burger King!!!!
Bastid!
He comes over to talk to me about something and I yell "I can't believe you are coming over near me smelling of burgers!!!"
He smiles and replies in the stupid southern drawl he knows I hate "The Lord tests us all."
Bastid!
I haven't eaten a thing all day. I'm starving.
Friday at 0800 I have a stupid colonoscopy. I know - gross. I am trying to make it easier on myself by stopping solid food 48 hours ahead instead of 24. The last time was suffering enough.
So I am here checking email when my stupid oldest son, Tom comes in.
He reeks of Burger King!!!!
Bastid!
He comes over to talk to me about something and I yell "I can't believe you are coming over near me smelling of burgers!!!"
He smiles and replies in the stupid southern drawl he knows I hate "The Lord tests us all."
Bastid!
You Can Talk All You Want - But There Is No Debate!
This video rocks!!!!!
It's on YouTube under the title "Who's Right? Them or Him?" and was posted by TravisTCleveland of RightVoice.org.
It's on YouTube under the title "Who's Right? Them or Him?" and was posted by TravisTCleveland of RightVoice.org.
Stop Embarrassing Obama!
He is embarrassed for Americans who go to France and can only say "Merci beaucoup".
Michael Graham had the line of the day.
"If someone from France asked if I was embarrassed that I didn't speak French, I'd say no and you're lucky you don't speak German!"
You know Princess Crabby is bilingual - "Pog ma thoin, Obama"
Making The Girls In The Office Scream
Guess they don't know what to expect when I'm around.
Pat walked past me and turned down the corner of my skort (skirt/short combo).
I felt the tug and said "What are you doing?"
She replied "Fixing the hem of your skirt"
I started to explain as I pulled up the skirt part "It doesn't matter, it's a skort......"
But my explanation was lost in Nic's screaming "What are you doing???"
Why would anyone think I would flash? LOL
Pat walked past me and turned down the corner of my skort (skirt/short combo).
I felt the tug and said "What are you doing?"
She replied "Fixing the hem of your skirt"
I started to explain as I pulled up the skirt part "It doesn't matter, it's a skort......"
But my explanation was lost in Nic's screaming "What are you doing???"
Why would anyone think I would flash? LOL
SJS - Making Me Think and Read
SJS has this post you should read and then if you haven't (and I haven't) you need to find and read the book.
The Missiles of Summer
The Missiles of Summer
How's Your Politics?
Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino
District Attorney Daniel F. Conley
Stop dragging Paul Cahill and Thomas Payne into your politics.
Front page. Above the fold.
'07 fire inquiry stuck in neutral
Menino and the others want random drug and alcohol testing in the BFD.
The Firefighter's Union wants the best possible deal out of the city.
Ok, that's fine, battle it out. But stop dragging Paul Cahill and Thomas Payne into this. Random drug and alcohol testing would not have prevented their deaths.
If on the other hand, you really want to place some blame in their deaths as opposed to playing politics.................let's talk about the culpability of the owners and/or managers of the Tai Ho Mandarin and Cantonese restaurant. They are the ones who created the situation. How about Boston's City Inspectional Services who allowed the dangerous conditions to fester.
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino
District Attorney Daniel F. Conley
Stop dragging Paul Cahill and Thomas Payne into your politics.
Front page. Above the fold.'07 fire inquiry stuck in neutral
Menino and the others want random drug and alcohol testing in the BFD.
The Firefighter's Union wants the best possible deal out of the city.
Ok, that's fine, battle it out. But stop dragging Paul Cahill and Thomas Payne into this. Random drug and alcohol testing would not have prevented their deaths.
If on the other hand, you really want to place some blame in their deaths as opposed to playing politics.................let's talk about the culpability of the owners and/or managers of the Tai Ho Mandarin and Cantonese restaurant. They are the ones who created the situation. How about Boston's City Inspectional Services who allowed the dangerous conditions to fester.
Let's Have A Little Nonsense
TICK WARNING!
I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, and I have even done it myself a couple times unintentionally...but this one is real, and it's important. So please send this warning to everyone on your e- mail list..............
If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warm weather and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around with your arms up, DO NOT DO IT!! THIS IS A SCAM!! They only want to see you naked.
I wish I'd gotten this yesterday.
I feel so stupid.
I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, and I have even done it myself a couple times unintentionally...but this one is real, and it's important. So please send this warning to everyone on your e- mail list..............
If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warm weather and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around with your arms up, DO NOT DO IT!! THIS IS A SCAM!! They only want to see you naked.
I wish I'd gotten this yesterday.
I feel so stupid.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
I Have A Lot On My Mind
At least that's what my boss says.
Yesterday I lost my one and only car key. I have to drive to Raynham to get a replacement and that's going to have to wait until Thursday.
Last night when I left work, I left my license, bank card and cash here at my desk.
Today I left my work keys at home, so Frankie has to bring them to me so I can go to the gym and come back.
I exclaimed in frustration "What is wrong with me!"
She replied "You think it might be that you have a lot on your mind?"
Yesterday I lost my one and only car key. I have to drive to Raynham to get a replacement and that's going to have to wait until Thursday.
Last night when I left work, I left my license, bank card and cash here at my desk.
Today I left my work keys at home, so Frankie has to bring them to me so I can go to the gym and come back.
I exclaimed in frustration "What is wrong with me!"
She replied "You think it might be that you have a lot on your mind?"
Murtha Must Go - Support Russell
Follow William Russell's campaign at his website (soon to be new and improved) and Vets4Russell and Let's Get this Right.
Monday, July 07, 2008
More Stuff From Saturday Night
Dr. Momentum of Aces Full of Links has pics and video and commentary about the Sunset Parade and the party afterwards.
I've Lost My Car Key
What a royal pain in the ass!
I don't keep it on the keyring. I leave it in the ignition most of the time. I can't find it anywhere.
No I have no spare.
One of my staff came and picked me up this morning and Frankie will get me home.
Argghhh!
I don't keep it on the keyring. I leave it in the ignition most of the time. I can't find it anywhere.
No I have no spare.
One of my staff came and picked me up this morning and Frankie will get me home.
Argghhh!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
US Border Patrol Bagpipers
I was googling the US Border Patrol Bagpipers so I could throw a link in the post below when I found this. Hilarious!
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